Appearing
The Biblical Term
The English word "appearing" translates two key Greek terms in the New Testament. The first is "epiphaneia," meaning a manifestation, brightness, or glorious display. The second is "apokalupsis," meaning an unveiling or revelation. Both terms are used to describe the visible, public manifestation of Jesus Christ, whether his first coming in human flesh or his expected return in glory. Together they convey the idea that Christ's coming is an event of cosmic significance, making visible what was previously hidden.
Christ's First Appearing
Paul uses "appearing" to refer to Christ's incarnation in 2 Timothy 1:10, where he writes that the grace of God "has now been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." Here the appearing refers to Jesus' earthly ministry, his birth, life, death, and resurrection. The incarnation was itself an epiphany: the invisible God becoming visible in human form (John 1:14; Colossians 1:15).
The Second Appearing
More commonly, "appearing" refers to Christ's future return. Paul encourages Timothy to "keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Timothy 6:14). In Titus 2:13, believers are described as "waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." Peter similarly speaks of receiving praise "at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7). These passages present the second coming as the defining hope of the Christian life.
The Nature of the Appearing
The New Testament describes Christ's future appearing as visible, personal, and glorious. Unlike the humble circumstances of the first coming, born in a stable, dying on a cross, the second appearing will be unmistakable. Paul describes it as occurring "with the glory of his coming" (2 Thessalonians 2:8) that will destroy the lawless one. Revelation depicts Christ returning as a conquering king, with eyes like a flame of fire and a sharp sword proceeding from his mouth (Revelation 19:11-16).
Living in Light of the Appearing
The doctrine of Christ's appearing shapes Christian ethics and hope. Paul tells Titus that the grace of God trains believers "to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope" (Titus 2:12-13). The anticipation of Christ's appearing motivates holy living, faithful service, and patient endurance. Paul himself anticipated receiving a "crown of righteousness" that the Lord would give to "all who have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8).
Already and Not Yet
The dual use of "appearing" for both the incarnation and the second coming reflects the New Testament's "already and not yet" framework. Christ has already appeared to deal with sin through his sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26). He will appear a second time, "not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him" (Hebrews 9:28). The Christian life exists between these two appearings, shaped by the first and oriented toward the second.
Biblical Context
The term 'appearing' is used in 2 Timothy 1:10 for Christ's incarnation and in 1 Timothy 6:14, 2 Timothy 4:1, 4:8, Titus 2:13, and 1 Peter 1:7 for his future return. Hebrews 9:26-28 captures both dimensions, describing Christ's first appearing to deal with sin and his future appearing for final salvation. The concept ties together incarnation, atonement, and eschatological hope.
Theological Significance
The appearing of Christ encompasses the entire arc of salvation history. The first appearing accomplished redemption; the second will consummate it. This doctrine motivates Christian holiness, provides hope in suffering, and assures believers that history is moving toward a glorious conclusion. Loving Christ's appearing (2 Timothy 4:8) is presented as a mark of genuine faith.
Historical Background
The Greek word 'epiphaneia' was used in the Hellenistic world for the manifestation of a deity or the arrival of a king. Early Christians adopted this language to describe Christ's coming, infusing it with new meaning. The term would have resonated with Greek-speaking audiences familiar with divine epiphanies in their religious traditions. The early church's expectation of Christ's imminent return shaped their worship, ethics, and community life from the very beginning.