Strong’s concordance Greek word #2015 is Epiphaneia. It appears 6 times in the new testament. It is commonly translated ‘appeared’. Strong’s definition is: often used by the Greeks of a glorious manifestation of the gods, and especially of their advent to help. A comparison of texts reveals the particular meaning:
“that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 6:14-15 (Notice, ‘at the proper time’. It was future for the disciples.)
“Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8
“but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 1 Timothy 1:10 (Past tense? Clearly death has not yet been abolished.)
“in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (What day?)
“looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,” Titus 2:13
This particular epiphaneia or appearing did not happen 2000 years ago. Clearly Paul and the other disciples were looking yet future to this event. It is spoken of:
“Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
And all flesh will see it together;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:5
If we are to keep the commandment until his appearing, it includes not only our present life, but our resurrected life. For all must be resurrected before his glorious appearing if we are to see it together. This appearing will happen at the day of Atonement. It will indeed be a glorious manifestation when Israel desperately needs the help!
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