An epiphany is a sudden moment of revelation or insight. In the Bible, epiphanies often involve God revealing something important to someone. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about epiphanies:
Examples of Epiphanies in the Bible
There are many examples of epiphanies found in Scripture:
The Conversion of Paul
One of the most famous biblical epiphanies is the conversion of Paul on the road to Damascus. As Saul (before he became Paul) was traveling to persecute Christians, Jesus appeared to him in a blinding light and spoke audibly to him (Acts 9:1-9). This supernatural encounter changed the entire course of Paul’s life.
Jacob’s Ladder
In Genesis 28, Jacob had a dream of a stairway to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. At the top stood God, who spoke directly to Jacob and made promises to him. When Jacob woke up he exclaimed, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it” (Genesis 28:16). This vision revealed God’s presence and plans to Jacob.
Isaiah’s Vision
The prophet Isaiah had a dramatic vision of God’s glory filling the temple, with the seraphim calling out “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:1-8). Isaiah was overcome with awareness of his sinfulness before the holy God. This epiphany motivated Isaiah to repent and answer God’s call to be His messenger.
The Transfiguration
At the Transfiguration, Peter, James and John glimpsed the glorified Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1-9). A bright cloud overshadowed them and God’s voice spoke from heaven, affirming Jesus’ divine sonship. This brief epiphany strengthened the disciples’ faith in who Jesus was.
Saul among the Prophets
In 1 Samuel 10, the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon Saul and he prophesied with a group of prophets who were worshipping. Others who knew Saul were amazed to see him prophesying, because they recognized his experience was an act of God. This epiphany marked Saul’s anointing as king.
Peter’s Rooftop Vision
While praying on a rooftop, Peter fell into a trance and had a vision of animals lowered from heaven on a sheet (Acts 10:9-16). A voice told him to get up and eat these animals (that were unclean under the Law). When Peter refused, the voice said “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This epiphany opened Peter’s mind to share the Gospel with Gentiles.
John’s Vision of Jesus
The apostle John had a prophetic vision of the glorified Christ while in exile on Patmos (Revelation 1:9-20). John saw Jesus walking among lampstands, with hair white as wool, blazing eyes, bronze feet and a two-edged sword coming from His mouth. This appearance of Jesus was meant to strengthen and instruct the early churches.
These examples show how God often revealed truth to people in biblical times through sudden, miraculous manifestations and appearances. Epiphanies in Scripture provide guidance, instill faith, bring correction and prepare God’s people for service.
Purposes of Epiphanies
Based on the above examples, epiphanies in the Bible serve several key purposes:
Reveal God’s Presence and Glory
Epiphanies manifest God’s glory and holiness in a tangible way, like Isaiah’s vision in the temple. They make people aware of God’s presence, as with Jacob’s dream of the stairway to heaven. Even indirect visions of heaven, like Stephen’s glimpse before his martyrdom (Acts 7:55-56), reveal something of God’s glory.
Impart Revelation and Truth
Epiphanies disclose truth that people need to know, whether about God’s plans, a person’s identity or spiritual realities. Peter’s rooftop vision informed him that God was opening up salvation to the Gentiles. The Transfiguration confirmed Christ’s divine identity to the disciples. Revelation given in epiphanies shapes people’s understanding.
Bring Correction and Repentance
By manifesting God’s holiness, epiphanies can show people their own sinfulness and need to repent, like Isaiah’s vision. Paul’s Damascus road encounter stopped him in his tracks and led to his conversion. Epiphanies jolt people out of wrong thinking and onto the right path.
Impart Assurance and Encouragement
Epiphanies encourage believers by providing assurance of God’s presence and promises, as when Jesus strengthened John’s churches through the vision in Revelation. Jacob was assured of God’s plans for him after his dream. Epiphanies assure people that God is with them.
Issue a Call and Commission
Some epiphanies initiate someone into a special work or mission for God. Saul was called and anointed as king when the Spirit came upon him. Isaiah volunteered to be God’s messenger after seeing the Lord in the temple. An epiphany often marks the beginning of prophetic ministry or a new undertaking.
Foster Unity and Openness
Peter’s vision of the sheet corrected his misconceptions about clean and unclean animals, showing him that God wanted to unify Jews and Gentiles in the Church. Epiphanies break down prejudice and open people’s minds to new understandings that promote unity and harmony.
Common Elements of Biblical Epiphanies
Though epiphanies in Scripture take many different forms, there are some common elements to them:
Sensory Manifestations
God reveals Himself through visible, audible or tangible phenomena like dreams, visions, voices, light, or a felt sense of His presence. People actually see, hear or feel something that conveys the revelation. Saul was blinded by God’s light; Peter saw the descending sheet.
Divine Encounter
There is a distinct sense of encountering the Divine, whether through visible manifestations like the transfigured Christ, audible voices like at Saul’s conversion, or an inner knowing like at Pentecost when tongues of fire appeared. People recognize they are in God’s presence.
Specific Message
The epiphany imparts a clear message, insight or revelation that the person needs to know and understand, whether about their own condition (Isaiah), God’s plans (Jacob) or spiritual realities (Peter). Epiphanies convey meaningful content.
Life Change
Epiphanies provoke transformation as the revelation reshapes the person’s thinking and perspective. Paul’s life was radically altered; Isaiah devoted himself to God’s service. There is often a clear before and after. The epiphany sets them on a new course.
Lasting Impact
The effects of the epiphany endure over time. Paul’s ministry was founded on his Damascus road experience. Jacob’s dream shaped his understanding of God through life. Epiphanies impart convictions and visions that stick and continue to inspire.
By recognizing these common elements, we can discern genuine divine revelations from false claims or ordinary inspiration. The hand of God in an epiphany is evident through supernatural occurrences that convey truth, precipitate change and result in ongoing influence.
Interpreting Epiphanies
Epiphanies should align with the general revelation of Scripture and point to Christ. Scripture helps interpret epiphanies because it provides an objective standard.
Tested Against Scripture
As when Paul’s vision was authenticated because Ananias recognized him as God’s chosen instrument (Acts 9:10-19), epiphanies should agree with Scripture. The word and Spirit will never contradict each other. The Bereans examined Paul’s teachings to see if they aligned with Scripture (Acts 17:11).
Centered on Christ
Epiphanies reveal the nature, glory and truth of God in Christ. Like the Transfiguration which showed Christ’s divine glory or John’s vision of the exalted Lord, epiphanies should exalt Christ. They may convey details about God’s plans and purposes, but the heart of the revelation will be Christological.
Result in Obedience and Fruit
Consistent with other works of the Spirit, epiphanies produce obedience and spiritual fruit in the recipient. Paul immediately obeyed the heavenly vision and was faithful thereafter. Epiphanies may have miraculous trappings but their authenticity is confirmed by their moral and spiritual outcomes.
Subject to Discernment
While we can recognize the general contours of genuine epiphanies from Scripture, solid believers and leaders should carefully discern each claim to divine revelation. Every epiphany requires prayerful discernment and interpretation according to wisdom and a complete biblical witness.
Cautions Regarding Epiphanies
While Scripture shows that God does supernaturally reveal things on occasion, Christians should exercise caution:
Not All Mystical Experiences are from God
Subjective spiritual experiences can have natural as well as demonic causes (1 John 4:1). An epiphany’s source and the fruit it produces need to be carefully discerned. Not every mystical experience is a genuine divine revelation.
Doesn’t Negate God’s Primary Revelation
The written Word of God is believers’ primary source of revelation (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19). Subjective revelations supplement but never supersede or contradict the Bible. Scripture remains the supreme authority.
No New Gospel Message
Epiphanies give insight into applying the Gospel in particular contexts but do not alter the Gospel itself, since it was delivered once for all to the saints (Jude 1:3). People who elevate mystical experiences over Scripture often drift into heresy.
Not an Everyday Occurrence
Consistent with other miraculous manifestations, divine revelations seem to occur at significant junctures and are not a normal part of most believers’ daily walk. Epiphanies marked pivotal transitions in biblical history. We should not expect or seek them routinely.
In summary, epiphanies provide glimpses of divine truth to guide God’s people, but they must be carefully discerned in light of Scripture. Mystical experiences require wisdom in interpretation and application. Though unique in form, epiphanies agree in substance with God’s written Word. They shed light on the Gospel without altering the message itself. When handled appropriately, epiphanies enrich the Church.
Conclusion
Epiphanies are sudden revelations of insight that disclose God’s presence, glory, plans or truth in a transformative way. Scripture records many epiphanies that imparted the knowledge people needed, opening their minds to new understanding. Though varied in manifestation, biblical epiphanies share common elements like sensory phenomena, divine encounters, specific messages, and lasting impact that initiate change. Epiphanies should align with the general revelation of Scripture and point to Christ. Though mystical experiences require discernment, genuine epiphanies guided by the Spirit can edify the Church when submitted to biblical authority. They enrich our understanding but do not supersede God’s written Word.
