[Greek] ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia), [Latin] manifestatio: appearance; 2Thes.2:8, 1Tim.6:14, ,2Tim1:10, 2Tim4:1, Tit 2:13
Caesar Julianus Augustus makes his appearance in the public arena
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, rarely used in Classical Greek, can have various meanings determined by the specific context. Essentially meaning appearance, this term refers to the outward appearance (skin) of a person, the renown of a famous person, a geometric surface in mathematics, the sudden (unexpected) appearance of an enemy, and the intervention of a god. This term also referred to the appearance of the emperor, who was considered as a god. This idea would later develop in Christianity.
Polybius’ Histories 1.54: “The appearance of the enemy was once more signaled to the Carthaginan admiral by his lookout man, and he at once put out to sea.
Dionysius of Halicarnassus 2.68.1: “Professors of atheistic philosophy, who ridicule all the gods’ manifestations which have taken place, will also laugh at these reports to scorn, on the ground that none of these gods concern themselves in human matters.”
Plutarch’s Themistocles 30: “Themistocles escaped the peril, and because he was amazed at the epiphany of the goddess, he built a temple in Magnesia in honor of Dindymemene, and made his daughter Mnesiptolema her priestess.”
Polybius’ Histories 10.18.8: “The lady was indeed of advanced age, and bore herself with a certain majestic dignity.”
Homer’s Iliad 17.626: “And the sun shone forth upon them all the battle was made plain to view.”
Old Testament: This term essentially refers to making an appearance. This act of an appearance includes a manifestation, making oneself known, providing military support, and being suddenly overwhelmed by an enemy. God makes Himself present and known. Military support and sudden attacks produce both victories and defeats.
New Testament: This term is used in a religious sense in the future eschatological era. This term is found only in Paul’s letters. Interestingly, this term is rarely found in primitive Christian literature. In Christianity this appearance later becomes an important event, the Epiphany, when the Magi recognize Jesus as the Christ Child.
Scripture:
“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of His mouth and render powerless by the manifestation of His coming.” 2Thess 2:8
Manifestation is just another word for appearance. Jesus’ earthly appearing can also be seen as an eschatological event
“But now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Jesus Christ, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”2Tim 1:10
The New Testament writers used this word to refer to Jesus’ first coming, the time when He entered this world as a man. This was Jesus’ first Advent.
“The crown of righteousness awaits me [Paul], which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who longed for His appearance.” 2Tim.4:8
The world will be judged at the parousia. All who have sought to live according to His teachings will be rewarded.
Earliest recording of the Christian Epiphany in 361 AD: Ammainus Marcellinus, a 4th century soldier and historian, writes, “In order to win the favor of all men and have opposition from none, Julianus Augustus (Emperor) pretended to be an adherent of the Christian religion, from which he had long since secretly revolted…and in order to temporarily conceal this, on this day of the festival which the Christian celebrate in the month of January and call the Epiphany, he went into their church, and departed after offering a prayer to their deity in the usual manner.”
Conclusion:
Epiphany, manifest, manifestation, manifesto
At first glance, I would not have associated an epiphany with a person in a secular or military context. In the Greco-Roman era, this idea is taken to its ultimate extreme when the emperor is viewed as a god. Thus the emperor make his presence (epiphany) among his people. This term also applied to manifestations or encounters of other gods. Interestingly, in ancient Greece a “fur manifestus” is a thief, “caught in the act” (caught with his hands).
In the Old Testament, we all can relate with God making His presence known among His people, but perhaps not associate this term with military campaigns. With that being said, it is not surprising that that such examples appear in 2 Maccabees, where there was great tension between the Jews and the Romans.
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ.
In secular terms an epiphany can also mean an illuminating discovery or and intuitive grasp of insight. A manifestation is something clearly shown. Mani- refers to a hand. Fendo- means to hit or strike. A manifesto is public declaration with an intention to “strike a blow”.
Update: Those who have lived in sinful lifestyles (and who have not sought forgiveness or who are unaware of this sinful lifestyle) will also be judged by God. Their eternal mortal souls could be at stake. Those clergy who have not remained faithful to these Church teachings (in their official capacity or own personal actions) will also be judged. These clergy will also be held accountable for their failure to save souls.
“Not many of you should become teachers, for your realize that we WILL BE JUDGED MORE STRICTLY, for we all fall short in many respects.” Jas.1:3
Here is an epiphany for you: the main purpose of the Church is to save souls!
I don’t think that God will take very kindly to those who bless sin or sinful relationships. Blessing sin is evil. That the Vatican would even consider this is quite scandalous! Not surprisingly, there is a lot of push-back against Fiducia Supplicans.
At the end of the day, it does not matter what we individually think or believe. It is ultimately for God to say when we are at the judgment seat in His presence. Yet, evidently this notion has not been been made manifest to many people.
May the very best become manifest for you in the new year 2024!