What exactly is an epiphany?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The word “epiphany” comes from a Greek term meaning “appearance” or “revelation.” It is used in a couple of ways. The more general use of the word refers to moments of sudden insight or realization. For example, if someone has been struggling to understand something and it suddenly becomes clear, they might describe it as having an “epiphany.” Because God may suddenly open one’s heart to believe (Acts 16:14; cf. Ephesians 1:18), a person may describe his or her first clear grasp of the gospel as being an epiphany.

Used as a proper noun, the Feast of Epiphany, held on January 6, remembers the revelation of Jesus to the nations through the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12), and in some churches it also includes Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13–17). It is observed in Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and many Eastern Christian traditions. Since it functions as a cultural celebration, even Protestants who grew up in those backgrounds continue to observe it.

Some also use the word “epiphany” to refer to divine appearances in Scripture (such as in Exodus 3:1–6; Isaiah 6:1–5), though this usage is uncommon. Those events are more accurately called theophanies.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Because the word “epiphany” means an appearance or revelation, some people use it to describe moments when God visibly revealed Himself in the Old Testament. However, theologically, the far more common term for these is theophany. The Bible records several such examples, including the LORD appearing to Moses in the burning bush and declaring His holiness (Exodus 3:1–6), and God revealing His glory to Isaiah in the temple in a vision that left the prophet overwhelmed by God’s majesty (Isaiah 6:1–5).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• While many terms are used to describe the moment of salvation, “epiphany” is a good description for some. This is because salvation comes by God opening one’s heart to understand spiritual things. One such example in the Bible is with a woman named Lydia. We read, “A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul” (NASB, Acts 16:14). Because of God’s Word in her heart, suddenly Lydia understood and responded to the gospel.
• Speaking to believers, Paul said that he was praying that “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you” (Ephesians 1:18). Again, this is a description of insight coming from God, which could come suddenly.
• Another use of epiphany is the celebration known as the Feast of Epiphany. It is observed each year (by most) on January 6 and remembers the revelation of Jesus to the nations through the visit of the Magi who honored Him as Israel’s promised King (Matthew 2:1–12). In some traditions, the celebration also includes Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13–17). It is a day that is widely recognized in Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and many Eastern Christian contexts. However, because of some nations’ close relationship with specific religions, like Catholicism, Protestants who grew up in those regions of the world often continue to observe it.
• A less common use of the word applies it to visible appearances of Jesus, such as Christ revealing Himself to Paul on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1–6) or appearing to John on Patmos (Revelation 1:9–20). However, the use of “epiphany” is uncommon, and theologians refer to these events as visions or revelations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

All true understanding of God comes from God. The Bible teaches that no one naturally understands spiritual truth because they are spiritually dead (1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 4:18). That is why God must first awaken us and show us that we have fallen short of His holiness and stand accountable before Him (Romans 3:23; John 16:8). Without His help, we would never recognize our need. When He does open our hearts, it often feels as though everything has suddenly come together. In that way, faith in Jesus is sometimes described as having an epiphany as we come to understand the Gospel.

What about you? Do you understand the Gospel? God’s Word explains that every person has sinned and stands guilty before a holy God (Romans 3:23). Sin is not a small matter. It separates you from the One who created you and will bring His judgment. Yet God, in love, did not leave you hopeless. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live the righteous life you cannot live and to bear the penalty your sins have earned. On the cross, Jesus endured the judgment your sin deserved so that forgiveness could be offered freely to you (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).

Jesus did not remain in the grave. God raised Him from the dead, proving that His sacrifice was accepted and that eternal life is found in Him alone (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). The Gospel is the call to turn from your sin and trust in Jesus alone. When you do, God forgives your sins, reconciles you to Himself, and gives you new life. If you now understand this, repent and turn because God will not offer this chance forever.

UNDERSTAND

• An epiphany is a sudden spiritual insight when God opens a person’s heart.
• The Feast of Epiphany celebrates Jesus’ revelation to the nations.
• True understanding and salvation come only through God’s revelation and faith in Jesus.

REFLECT

• When has God opened your heart to understand something you hadn’t grasped before?
• How do you recognize moments when God is revealing truth to you in your life?
• How are you responding to God’s revelation in your heart and life right now?

ENGAGE

• What do we learn about God in the way He reveals Himself to us?
• What practices help us remember God’s revelation to the world?
• How can we help each other remain attentive to God’s moments of insight and respond?