Strong’s Greek 1717 centers on the idea of open visibility—something or Someone unmistakably shown, set in plain sight, or made fully apparent. Rather than mere intellectual recognition, the term points to a disclosure that breaks through previous obscurity and compels acknowledgment.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Acts 10:40 – “God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen.”
2. Romans 10:20 – “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.”

Although used only twice, the word frames two pivotal redemptive moments: the resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ and God’s self-disclosure to the Gentiles.

Christ Revealed in Acts 10:40

Peter tells Cornelius that God not only raised Jesus but also ensured that the risen Lord became “manifest.” The term highlights:

• Historicity: The resurrection was not a private mystical event; it involved tangible encounters with chosen witnesses (Acts 10:41).
• Authentication: By making Jesus visible, God validated Christ’s messianic claims and furnished undeniable proof for the gospel (Acts 2:32).
• Commissioning: Those who “ate and drank with Him after He rose” were empowered to testify, turning personal sight into public proclamation (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).

Divine Self-Disclosure to the Nations in Romans 10:20

Paul cites Isaiah to show how God’s saving purpose extends beyond Israel. Key dimensions include:

• Sovereign Initiative: “I revealed Myself” underscores God’s proactive grace toward an un-seeking people (Isaiah 65:1).
• Missionary Paradigm: The Gentiles’ unexpected encounter with the living God foreshadows global evangelism (Matthew 24:14).
• Fulfillment of Promise: Israel’s Scriptures anticipated this unveiling, reinforcing the unity of Old and New Testament revelation.

Theological Themes

Manifestation and Revelation: Scripture consistently links God’s redemptive acts with concrete revelation—seen in Sinai’s glory (Exodus 19:11), the Incarnation (John 1:14), and the future appearing of Christ (Titus 2:13).

Witness and Responsibility: Visibility carries accountability. Once God has “made Himself known,” hearers are summoned to repentance and obedient faith (Acts 17:30-31).

Inclusivity of the Gospel: The same term that marks Jesus’ post-resurrection visibility also marks God’s outreach to Gentiles, reinforcing that the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

Historical Reception

Early church fathers emphasized these verses against docetism and Judaizing tendencies. By stressing tangible manifestation, they defended both the bodily resurrection and the legitimacy of Gentile inclusion.

Ministry Application

• Preaching: Ground evangelistic appeals in the historical manifestation of Christ—faith rests on fact, not fable.
• Missions: Expect God to reveal Himself to the least likely audiences; Romans 10:20 encourages bold outreach.
• Discipleship: Encourage believers to live “manifest” lives, reflecting the God who openly revealed Himself (Philippians 2:15).

Related Biblical Motifs

Light shining in darkness (John 1:5), the unveiling of mysteries (Ephesians 3:5), and the final “appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8) all echo the same pattern of divine disclosure.

Conclusion

Though brief in frequency, Strong’s 1717 powerfully anchors two watershed moments—Christ’s resurrection appearances and God’s unexpected revelation to the Gentiles—underscoring that the living God makes Himself unmistakably known and calls all people to a visible, credible witness.