Reasoning The scriptures

Our Lord’s Parousia Epiphania and Apokalupsis

By M.S.Mariadas and Y.R.Dinakaran
Bible Students, M.B.S.A

The main assertion by Pastor Russell is that the three Greek words (parousia, epiphania,
and apokalupsis) are used by NT writers as a gradual progression which reveals Jesus return
from an invisible phase known only to his saints to a revealing to the world in general
(though not visibly). To see if this assertion is true, it should be a very simple matter when
investigating the NT writings. Simply put, we should see no interchangeability of these
words. For instance, when speaking of Jesus' revelation to the world, only epiphania and
apokalupsis should be used whenever the church is the subject of Jesus' return, only parousia
should be used. Here are some supporting quotes from Pastor Russell:

"These Bible students call our attention to the fact that the Bible
distinctly differentiates between the parousia of Christ and His Epiphania, at
His Second Coming. The word parousia signifies presence, without in
any sense of the word indicating that the presence is visible. The word
Epiphania signifies the revealing of one who is already present. These Bible
students claim that in the end of this Gospel Age Christ will be present,
invisible to men, during a period of forty years, doing a work especially in His
Church--rewarding the faithful, as shown in the parables of the Pounds and
the Talents, and receiving the "wise virgins," as in the parable of our lesson.1

The Scriptures indicate that the Gentile governments will receive from their
own peoples their first notice that their lease of power has expired. The
people will take note of the sign of the Son of Man in the heavens. The
judgments of the Lord will begin to be manifest in the world, and will run
counter to many of their interests. This manifestation of His presence is
Scripturally called the Epiphania, the shining forth, the revealment, of
the King of Glory. "He shall be revealed in flaming fire, taking vengeance on
them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ." (`2 Thessalonians 1:7- 10`.) As a result, the nations of earth will be
broken to pieces like a potter's vessel.--`Psalm 2:8,9`.2

At what time the Lord's people will be taken beyond the veil the Lord has not
fully indicated. But we have the assurance that when He shall appear, be
manifested--when His Epiphania shall occur--we shall be with Him, we shall

1
Reprints of Zion's Watchtower, pg. 5523
2
Reprints of Zion's Watchtower, pg. 5527

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Reasoning The scriptures

be like Him and see Him as He is. He will not begin His great work of
establishing the Kingdom until the Church shall be with Him.3

Our Lord's <parousia> and the gathering of the elect, we understand, has
been in progress since October, 1874. It will continue until all of the "elect"
shall have been gathered and glorified. In one sense our Lord will continue to
be present as the world's King to the conclusion of the Millennial Age; but his
<parousia,> in the sense of secrecy of presence, will terminate when, as the
Scriptures declare, "He shall be <revealed> in flaming fire (judgments), taking
vengeance on all who will not obey the Truth," but enlightening and
revivifying all who will hear and, to the extent of their opportunity, obey his
message. The <parousia> is to the Church and for the Church only.
The <epiphania> or <apokalupsis> of the Lord in power and great
glory is not to the Church nor for the Church, but to the world and for
the world. "When he shall thus appear we also shall appear with him in
glory," the Apostle declares. --`Col. 3:4`."4

"Now, in the harvest time, he is present to gather the sleeping ones and to
further test and perfect "us who are alive and remain." The High Priest is
doing no work outside of the "holy" of the antitypical Tabernacle. His
presence is unknown to the world. Soon Bridegroom and Bride will be
ushered into the presence of the Father in eternal glory. The "marriage supper
of the Lamb" will be celebrated, and then Bride and Bridegroom, Head and
members complete in glory, will come forth to bless the world. That
crowning day of joy to the Church will be followed by our Lord's
<apokalupsis> and <epiphania.> To the world he shall be revealed in
flaming fire of the time of trouble, but nevertheless with power and great
glory, "and all his saints with him.""5

Now let us give the premise of linear use of these words a thorough examination.
Identifying our many words as verbs or adverbs may sound silly, but it is helpful in
understanding why authors choose the words they do. Studying these carefully will
give some insight on why certain words had to be used over others. While it is
intended that this treatise shall be presented in the simplest form, it becomes
necessary to refer to certain Greek words used in the New Testament because so
much depends upon the correct understanding of their meanings. The most
important word is "PAROUSIA" (in the Authorized Version of the New Testament
generally translated 'coming').

3
Reprints of Zion's Watchtower, pg. 5555
4
Reprints of Zion's Watchtower, pg. 4544
5
Reprints of Zion's Watchtower, pg. 4544

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Reasoning The scriptures

Dictionary Definitions of Parousia

1. The definitions of this word given in Liddell & Scott's Greek-English Lexicon
(abridged) are
• A being present, presence
• Arrival. Or coming
Let it be clearly seen that in these definitions there is no reference to visibility or
invisibility of presence or arrival.

2. Vines, page 200-201

Parousia - lit., "a presence," para, "with," and ousia, "being" (from eimi, "to be"),
denotes both an "arrival" and a consequent "presence with." For instance, in a
papyrus letter a lady speaks of the necessity of her parousia in a place in order to
attend to matters relating to her property there. Paul speaks of his parousia in
Philippi, Phil. 2:12 (in contrast to his apousia, "his absence;" see ABSENCE).
Other words denote "the arrival" (see eisodos and eleusis, above). Parousia is used
to describe the presence of Christ with His disciples on the Mount of
Transfiguration, 2 Pet. 1:16. When used of the return of Christ, at the Rapture of
the Church, it signifies, not merely His momentary coming for His saints, but His
presence with them from that moment until His revelation and manifestation to
the world. In some passages the word gives prominence to the beginning of that
period, the course of the period being implied, 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:15; 5:23; 2
Thess. 2:1; Jas. 5:7,8; 2 Pet. 3:4. In some, the course is prominent, Matt. 24:3,37; 1
Thess. 3:13; 1 John 2:28; in others the conclusion of the period, Matt. 24:27; 2
Thess. 2:8.

3. Thayer's, page 490

parousia ... the coming, arrival, advent ... of a return ... the future, visible,
return from heaven of Jesus.

4. A Greek-English Lexicon, page 635

Coming, advent as the first stage in presence.... The official term for a visit of a
person of high rank, esp. of kings and emperors visiting a province.

5. Strong's Number G3952 Greek παρουσία (Parousia)

• presence
• the coming, arrival, advent
• the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last
judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God

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Reasoning The scriptures

In Phil. 2: 12 where this word parousia occurs, it is used as an opposite of "absence". "Not as
in my (Paul's) presence (parousia) only but now much more in my absence (apousia)..." Of
our Lord then we can say similarly: He went away and was absent from this world, He will
return and will be present; that is to say, He will be no longer absent.

In regard to our Lord's return, "presence" (parousia) pre-supposes that an arrival has taken
place and it is seen from the above definitions that both of these ideas are in the one word
"parousia". Sometimes when parousia is used, "presence" may be emphasized but not to the
exclusion of the idea of "arrival". Sometimes "arrival" is the intended and primary meaning.
Paul was glad of the parousia (i@e., arrival) of certain brethren (I Cor. 16: 17) and he was
comforted by the parousta (arrival) of Titus (2 Cor. 7: 6). They, no doubt, remained with Paul
and thus their parousia (arrival) extended to "presence". But nobody would suggest they
were already present unseen and subsequently revealed.

Dictionary Definitions of Epiphania

1. Vines Dictionary

Appear, Appearing:

Eng., "epiphany," lit., "a shining forth," was used of the "appearance" of a god to men, and
of an enemy to an army in the field, etc. In the NT it occurs of

• the advent of the Savior when the Word became flesh, 2Ti 1:10;
• the coming of the Lord Jesus into the air to the meeting with His saints, 1Ti 6:14; 2Ti
4:1,8;
• the shining forth of the glory of the Lord Jesus "as the lightning cometh forth from
the east, and is seen even unto the west," Mat 24:27, immediately consequent on the
unveiling, apokalupsis, of His Parousia in the air with His saints, 2Th 2:8; Tts 2:13.*
[* From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, p. 263.]
• Notes:
o Phanerosis, akin to A, No. 4, "a manifestation," is used in 1Cr 12:7 and 2Cr
4:2.
o For phaneros, wrongly translated "may appear," in 1Ti 4:15, AV (RV, "may be
manifest," not mere appearance), See MANIFEST.
o Emphanes, akin to A, No. 5, "manifest," is used in Act 10:40 and Rom 10:20.
See MANIFEST, OPENLY.
o For adelos, "which appear not," Luk 11:44, See UNCERTAIN.

2. Strongs # G2016:- an appearing, appearance, brightness,

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Reasoning The scriptures

3. Thayer's,

Greek ἐ ιφάνεια (epiphaneia) an Appearing, Appearance often used by the Greeks of a

glorios manifestation of the gods

Dictionary Definitions of Apokalupsis

1. Lexicon Results for apokalypsis (Strong's G602)

• laying bare, making naked

• a disclosure of truth, instruction
o concerning things before unknown
o used of events by which things or states or persons hitherto withdrawn from
view are made visible to all
• manifestation, appearance

2. Vines Expository Dictionary Results for apokalupsis

Appear, Appearing:

lit., "an uncovering, unveiling" (apo, "from," kalupto, "to hide, cover"), denotes "a
revelation, or appearing" (Eng., apocalypse). It is translated "the appearing" in 1Pe 1:7, AV
(RV, "revelation"). See COMING, MANIFESTATION, REVELATION.

Revelation:

• "an uncovering" (akin to apokalupto; see above), "is used in the NT of

• the drawing away by Christ of the veil of darkness covering the Gentiles, Luk 2:32;
cp. Isa 25:7;
• 'the mystery,' the purpose of God in this age, Rom 16:25; Eph 3:3;
• the communication of the knowledge of God to the soul, Eph 1:17;
• an expression of the mind of God for the instruction of the church, 1Cr 14:6,26, for
the instruction of the Apostle Paul, 2Cr 12:1,7; Gal 1:12, and for his guidance, Gal
2:2;
• the Lord Jesus Christ, to the saints at His Parousia, 1Cr 1:7, RV (AV, 'coming'); 1Pe
1:7, RV (AV, 'appearing'),13; 4:13;
• the Lord Jesus Christ when He comes to dispense the judgments of God, 2Th 1:7;
cp. Rom 2:5;
• the saints, to the creation, in association with Christ in His glorious reign, Rom 8:19,
RV, 'revealing' (AV, 'manifestation');

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Reasoning The scriptures

• the symbolic forecast of the final judgments of God, Rev 1:1 (hence the Greek title of
the book, transliterated 'Apocalypse' and translated 'Revelation')." * [* From Notes
on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 228, 229.]
See APPEARING, COMING, LIGHTEN, B, Note, MANIFESTATION.

Whenever we find a word coming in the English bible it is understood that it means Parousia
in like manner when we come across words like appearing or appearance it means the
Greek word certainly must be Epiphania and with Revelation it is from the Greek word
Apokaupsis.

The view has been advocated that these three Greek words relate to different stages or
periods of our lord's Return, that parousia (presence) takes place first, known only to a few,
and that apokatup-sis and epiphaneia are later stages. Now our reasoning is Do the Greek
words "parousia," "epiphania," and "apokalupsis" represent three different time stages
of the Lord's second presence OR are they all speaking of one event while using the proper
Greek words that are dictated by Greek grammatical requirements as used in their sentence
structure by which the thought is given? The understanding which commends itself to us,
however, is that all three expressions relate to the Lord's arrival and that in referring to it as
one great event, they are used interchangeably according to the particular aspect the inspired
writer has in mind.

To illustrate what has just been asserted, the following Scriptures should be read very
carefully
Parallel accounts interchanging the words

Matthew 24:39 and they LUKE 17:30 "It will be just

knew nothing about what like this on the day the Son
would happen until the of Man is Apokalupto.
flood came and took them
all away. That is how it will
be at the parousia of the
Son of Man.
Here we have a parallel account of the flood of Noah (Luke also adds the Sodom analogy)
that describes the same event using two different words. We can conclude that parousia is
equal to apokalupto, the root of apokalupsis.

Parousia Epiphania Apokalusis all relating to on same event

• Jas. 5:7 - "Be patient, therefore, brethren unto the coming (parou-sia) of the Lord."
• 1 Pet. 1:13 - ". . . hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the
revelation (apokdupsis) of Jesus Christ."

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Reasoning The scriptures

• Tit 2: 13. "Looking for ... the glorious appearing (epiphaneia) of ... our Saviour
Jesus Christ

In each of these references, attention is directed to the one event, the return of our Lord,
and particularly as it bears upon the saints’ cessation from toil and suffering and the
receiving of their reward, notwithstanding that three different words in the original language
are used respecting the one event. To emphasize this point still further, let us note first what
is to take place at the "appearing" of our Lord. In the following texts "appearing" is
translated from epiphaneia: -

• 1 Tim. 6: 14 - "That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable,

until the appearing (EPIPHANIA) of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The saints are to be faithful until His appearing.

• 2 Tim. 4: 1 – “I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who
shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing( Epiphania) and his kingdom;
The quick and the dead shall be judged then.

• Tit 2: 13. "Looking for ... the glorious appearing (epiphaneia) of ... our Saviour
Jesus Christ
The Church is Expecting to participate in this event

• 2 Tim. 4:8 - "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them
that love his appearing (EPIPHANIA)."
The crown of righteousness shall be given to the faithful then.
But it has also to noted that the same things transpire at the Parousia
of our Lord.
Now let us see what is to take place when Our Lord is going to be “Revealed” In
the following texts "Revealed " is translated from Apokalupsis: -

• 1 Peter 1:7 - These have come so that your faith--of greater worth
than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved
genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is
revealed (apokalupsis).
We are judged worthy at his revelation.

• 1 Peter 1:13 - Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-

controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when
Jesus Christ is revealed (apokalupsis).
We receive our reward at Jesus' revelation.

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Reasoning The scriptures

• 1 Peter 1:5 - who through faith are shielded by God's power until the
coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed (Apokalupto) in
the last time.
Our salvation occurs at Jesus' revelation.

• 2 Thessalonians 1:7 - and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us
as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed
(apokalupsis) from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
Our relief comes when Jesus is revealed when he comes with his
powerful angels

• 1 Peter 4:13 “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;

that, when his glory shall be revealed (apokalupsis), ye may be glad also with
exceeding joy.

We will be glad and joyful when Jesus revealed with his splendid glory

• 1 Peter 5:1 ‘The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder,
and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed(apokalupsis):
We will partake in the Glory when Christ is Revealed

• 1 Cor 3:13 “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall
declare it, because it shall be revealed (apokalupsis) by fire; and the fire shall
try every man's work of what sort it is.
Jesus is revealed by fire at his coming

• 1 Cor.1:5-7 "That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all
knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed to you; so that ye come
behind in no gift, waiting for the coming (APOKALUPSIS) of our Lord Jesus
Christ."

The Church is waiting for the coming i.e. for the apokalupsis of Christ
(this is the only verse were coming is translated as apokalupsis)

Epiphania Parallel Parousia

2 Thes 2:8 “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall
consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness
(EPIPHANIA) of his coming (PARAOUSIA)

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Reasoning The scriptures

Among other words used of the Lord's Return is phaneroo(STRONGS #G5319) which
means to appear or to make manifest.
• 1 Pet. 5:4 - "When the chief Shepherd shall appear (phaneroo) ye shall receive a
crown of glory."
• Col. 3:4 - "When Christ shall appear (phaneroo) then shall ye also appear with Him.”

Its use in conjunction with parousia in. I Jno. 2: 28 shows that He appears to all His
people at His arrival (in the same way that they will appear with Him as in Col. 3: 4). “That
when He shall appear (phaneroo) we may not be ashamed before Him at His coming
(parousia)."

In a similar way apokalupsis and epiphancia parallel parousia, and each interprets the other.
Believers are to be Paul's hope and crown of rejoicing in Christ's parousia (1 Thes. 2:19); to
look for rest and release in the apokatupsis (2 Thes. 1: 7); to receive a crown at His epiphaneia
(2 Tim. 4: 8) at the time when He appears (phaneroo) (I Pet. 5: 4). They are looking for the
parousia (2 Pet. 3:12), the epiphaneia (Tit. 2:13), and waiting for the apokalupsis (I Cor. 1:7) of
our Lord Jesus Christ. Epiphaneia is associated with parousia in 2 Thes. 2:8, phemeroo with
parousia in I Jno. 2:28, and apokatupsis with parousia in Matt. 24:27 and Luke 17:30 as can be
seen by a comparison of these two parallel accounts.

Thus we see that these words are but kindred terms to describe one and the same
great future event. For His glorious revelation, for His shining forth, for His divine
manifestation, for the arrival of the King, we still hope and wait and pray

It would seem unreasonable that the Apostle Paul ,Peter, John and Matthew would use
words that are said to represent different stages of time of the Lord's second presence when
they were instructing and admonishing different members of the church to watch for the
Lord to return at which time they are to be taken up together with him. The "parousia" is
said by some to be the first stage in time (which occurred in 1874 - now more than 133 years
in the past) and it is to be followed next by the "epiphania," and later by the "apokalupsis"
stage. If this was so and the Lord was to return at the "first stage" - Parousia and raises first
the members of his church "who are dead in Christ" (1 Thes.4:16), THEN:

Why would the Apostle Paul tell Timothy to keep the commandment spotless until the
"epiphania," the second stage, of our Lord Jesus Christ's second presence, if those who "are
dead in Christ" are raised to be with the Lord when he returns at the "parousia," the first
stage ?

Why would the Apostle Paul tell the Corinthians to be enriched in knowledge and utterance
so that they will be furnished as they wait for the "apokalupsis," the third phase of Jesus'
second presence, when he tells Timothy to do so until the "epiphania," the second stage of
his second presence ?

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Reasoning The scriptures

Why would the Apostle Paul tell the Thessalonians to keep their hearts blameless
unto the "parousia," the first stage of Jesus second presence, when he tells Timothy to keep
the commandment spotless until the "epiphania," the second stage of his second presence ?

Why would the Apostle Paul tell the Colossians that when the Lord appears (phaino)
then they will appear (phanio - the second stage of Jesus' second presence) with him in glory,
if they are to be raised and glorified at the "parousia," the first stage of his second presence ?

Why would the Apostle Paul tell Titus that we should live soberly, righteously, and
Godly in this present world while looking for the "epiphania," the second stage of the Lord's
second presence, if they are to be raised and glorified at the "parousia," the first stage of his
second presence?

Explanation: These scriptures would contradict one another if they are interpreted to refer
to three different stages of time, but they do agree with each other from the viewpoint of
being interchangeable when looked at as being ONE EVENT that would occur at the same
time. It would seem reasonable then that different Greek words were used to satisfy the
sentence structure of the grammatical requirements by and in which the thought was
presented and to express different shades of meaning in respect to the ONE EVENT.

Summary of the Greek Words

As we can easily see, the words are used interchangeably depending on the
grammatical structure of the sentence. To make a case for a progressive revealing of
Jesus' invisible presence is barely implicit in nature and has too many inconsistencies
to hold as a necessary doctrinal stance. Before Proceeding further to predict different
dates of our Lord’s second advent , the above logical, factual and reasonable
questions must be answered in full by wanting to make sense the "progressive
revealing of Jesus' invisible presence:"

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