The Greek epiphainō (G2014) means to appear, become visible, or shine forth. Its most theologically significant uses are in Luke-Acts and Paul. In Luke 1:79, the 'rising sun' will 'shine on (epiphainō) those living in darkness.' Paul declares in Titus 2:11: 'For the grace of God has appeared (epiphainō) that offers salvation to all people.' And in Titus 3:4: 'But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared (epiphainō).' The incarnation is the supreme act of divine epiphainō.
Epiphainō is the verb behind the noun epiphaneia (epiphany) — the appearing of God in history. The Titus passages are among the most compressed theological statements in the NT: the epiphainō of grace (Titus 2:11), the epiphainō of kindness and love (Titus 3:4), and the expected future epiphainō of glory (Titus 2:13). The Christian life is bracketed between two appearances of Christ — the first, in humility and grace, bringing salvation; the second, in glory, bringing consummation. Between these two epiphanies, the church lives and serves.