The phrase "made manifest" is a significant biblical term that denotes the act of making something clear, evident, or known. It is often used in the context of revealing divine truths, the nature of God, or the works of Jesus Christ. The concept of manifestation is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the transition from hidden or unknown to visible and understood.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Revelation: The term "made manifest" frequently appears in the context of God's revelation to humanity. In Romans 16:25-26 , the Apostle Paul speaks of the mystery of the gospel, "which was kept secret for long ages past, but now is made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures is made known to all nations." Here, the gospel, once hidden, is revealed through the Scriptures and the preaching of Jesus Christ.

2. The Incarnation of Christ: One of the most profound manifestations in the Bible is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In 1 John 3:5 , it is written, "But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin." The appearance of Christ in the flesh is the ultimate manifestation of God's love and redemptive plan for humanity.

3. The Works of Jesus: The miracles and teachings of Jesus are also described as being made manifest. In John 2:11 , after Jesus turned water into wine at Cana, it is stated, "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory. And His disciples believed in Him." The miracles serve as a revelation of His divine nature and authority.

4. The Light of the Gospel: The manifestation of truth is a recurring theme in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians 4:2-4 , Paul writes about the open proclamation of the truth, "But we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." The gospel is made manifest to those who are willing to see and accept it.

5. The Judgment and Righteousness of God: The manifestation of God's righteousness and judgment is another critical aspect. Romans 3:21 states, "But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been made manifest, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets." This passage highlights the revelation of God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the Law.

Theological Implications

The concept of being "made manifest" carries significant theological implications. It underscores the idea that God desires to reveal Himself and His purposes to humanity. This revelation is not limited to intellectual understanding but involves a transformative encounter with the divine. The manifestation of God's truth calls for a response of faith, obedience, and worship.

In the broader biblical narrative, the act of making manifest is a divine initiative, where God takes the first step to unveil His mysteries. This revelation is both a gift and a responsibility, as it invites believers to live in the light of what has been revealed and to share this truth with others. The manifestation of God's truth is central to the Christian faith, as it affirms the reality of God's presence and action in the world.5319. phaneroo -- to make visible, make clear
... appears (3), become visible (1), becomes visible (1), disclose (1), disclosed (1),
displayed (1), made...evident (2), made known (1), made manifest (2), make ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5319.htm - 9k

1552. ekdelos -- wholly evident
... manifest Definition: perfectly evident, manifest. 1552 (from 1537 , " and to" and
1212 , "make clear") -- properly, (the one in error) and made plain others ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1552.htm - 7k

601. apokalupto -- to uncover, reveal
... obstructed), especially its make-up; (figuratively) to make plain (manifest),
particularly what ... NASB Word Usage reveal (5), revealed (20), revelation is made ( ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/601.htm - 8k

6942. qadash -- to be set apart or consecrated
... 1), dedicate (2), dedicated (8), dedicating (1), holier (1), holy (5), keep (1),
keep it holy (2), keep the holy (3), made it holy (1), manifest my holiness (2 ...
/hebrew/6942.htm - 6k

5046. nagad -- to be conspicuous
... 3), informed (1), informs (2), know (1), known (1), made known (4 ... ie Stand boldly
out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to ...
/hebrew/5046.htm - 6k

God Hath Made Manifest
... Homily I. God hath made manifest. ... For that the former was better, God hath
made manifest, [16] both by His words, and by His doings. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily i god hath made.htm

Petilianus Said: "But that the Truth of this May be Made Manifest ...
... Book II. Chapter 37. " 85. Petilianus said: "But that the truth of this
may be made manifest from? "85. Petilianus said: "But ...
/.../chapter 37 85 petilianus.htm

How the Prophets and Holy Men of the Old Testament Knew the Things ...
... that those who are fully and really sons of Abraham are sons of his actions,
spiritually understood, and of the knowledge which was made manifest to him. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/2 how the prophets and.htm

Proofs of the Resurrection from Isaiah and Ezekiel; the Same God ...
... whether for his own or his parents' fault, He replied, "Neither hath this man sinned,
nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xv proofs of the resurrection.htm

section 4
... forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying
of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 4.htm

Still Continues the Praise of "Wisdom. ...
... higher, happier, more glorious reason, Jesus gives: "Neither hath this man sinned,
nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter viii still continues the.htm

Ephesians v. 5, 6
... For the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of.
But all things when they are reproved, are made manifest by the light.". ...
/.../homily xviii ephesians v 5.htm

John Chapter i. 19-33
... 12. "And I knew Him not," he said; "but that He might be made manifest
to Israel, therefore came I baptizing with water. And John ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate iv john chapter i.htm

God Does all for a Soul of Goodwill.
... Submitting entirely to this will as to precept and inspiration directly it was made
manifest to them, they were always in complete dependence on, what we might ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section iv god does all for.htm

John i. 28, 29
... whom he was ignorant? "But that He should be made manifest unto Israel,
therefore am I come baptizing with water.". He then did not ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xvii john i 28.htm

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