PAROUSIA IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

The word parousia occurs in the following texts of the New Testament in each of which it should be properly translated “presence:” –

“What shall be the sign of thy presence?” – Matt 24:3

“So shall also the presence of the Son of Man be.” – Matt 24:27,37,39

“They that are Christ’s at his presence.” – 1 Cor 15:23

“What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye, presented before our Lord Jesus Christ at his presence?” – 1 Thess 2:19

That “he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thess 3:13

“We which are alive and remain unto the presence of the Lord shall not precede them which are asleep.” – 1 Thess 4:15

“Be preserved blameless unto the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thess 5:23

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by [respecting] the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto him.” – 2 Thess 2:1

“Then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation [epiphania] of his presence.” – 2 Thess 2:8 See R.V.

“Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the presence of the Lord.” – James 5:7

“Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts; for the presence of the Lord draweth nigh.” – James 5:8

“There shall come in the last days scoffers [in the Church] walking after their own lusts [desires], and saying, ‘Where is the promise of his presence?” – 2 Pet 3:3,4

The word parousia is properly translated (“presence“) in 2 Cor 10:10, and Phil 2:12

EPIPHANIA IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

The Greek word epiphania signifies bright shining or manifestation. It is rendered “appearing” and “brightness,” and occurs as follows: –

“Keep this commandment without spot unrebukable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” – 1 Tim 6:14,15

“I charge thee, therefore, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom.” – 2 Tim 4:1

“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 unto all them also that love his appearing.” – 2 Tim 4:8

“Looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:13

“Then shall the Wicked One be exposed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness [epiphania – bright shining] of his coming [parousia – presence].” – 2 Thess 2:8

APOKALUPSIS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

The Greek words apokalupsis and apokalupto signify revealment, uncovering, unveiling (as of a thing previously present but hidden). The name of the last book of the Bible is from the same root – Apocalypse or Revelation. Apokalupsis is rendered revealed, revelation, appearing, coming and manifestation, in the following texts which relate to the Lord’s second presence and power and glory, as these shall be made known, – uncovered or revealed to the world.

Many of these texts also show that when he shall thus be revealed, his Church will be with the Lord and be revealed or manifested at the same time and in the same manner.

“The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Rom 8:18

“Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” – 1 Pet 4:13

“An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” – 1 Pet 1:4,5

“A partaker of the glory that shall be revealed.” – 1 Pet 5:1

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it; because it shall be revealed by fire.” (1 Cor 3:13) Here the reference evidently is to the testings of the Lord’s people during the period of his presence in the end of the age. The Apostle’s words thus agree with our Lord’s prophecy of the same testing’s, saying that “there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed” – uncovered. – Luke 12:2

“Hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” –1 Pet 1:13

“The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven… in flaming fire [judgments against all unrighteousness], taking vengeance.” – 2 Thess 1:7,8

“So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming [apokalupsis – revealment] of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Cor 1:7. [The Lord’s people will need to keep active, watching and waiting for the great blessing until the manifestation or revealment of the Lord; but if Watchers, they shall be made aware of his presence (parousia) and the work of “harvest” beforehand, and shall share in the revealment.]

“That the trial of your faith…might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing [apokalupsis – revealment] of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Pet 1:7

“For the earnest expectation of the creature [mankind] waits for the manifestation [apokalupsis – revealing] of the sons of God [the Church].” – Rom 8:19

“The same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed [apokalupsis].” (Luke 17:29,30.) That is to say, the judgments of the coming “time of trouble” as predicted, will begin as soon as the “salt of the earth,” the saints, have all been changed; and thus, the Son of Man will be revealed a present Judge, who already had for some time been present sealing and gathering his “elect.”

Continued with next post.