The term “appear” (ὀπτάνομαι, optanomai) is derived from a verb meaning "to be seen with discernment" or "to appear." It frequently describes an event where someone or something is visually perceived. The term highlights not only significant visibility or manifestation but also the mental process of understanding what is seen, distinguishing it from mere casual observation.
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared to Peter, James, and John, and they were talking with Jesus (Matthew 17:3). Peter perceived this appearance as a good thing, desiring to build three tabernacles for each of them. However, as he spoke, a voice came from a bright cloud that overshadowed them saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am will pleased. Hear Him.” This declaration emphasized that Christ alone, among the three, is to be worshiped.
When Nathanael approached Jesus, He said, “Behold, an Israelite in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47). This statement confused Nathanael, since he was unaware of how Jesus would know this about him (John 1:47). Jesus explained that He discerned him while he was under the fig tree before Philip called him (John 1:48). Nathanael responded with a declaration that Jesus is the Son of God, the King of Israel.
The account does not reveal what Nathanael was doing under the fig tree, other than that it was without deceit. Because this statement caused Nathanael to declare that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus informs him that greater things than these things will appear to him (John 1:50). Nathanael would see the wonderful works done by Christ as He demonstrated to Israel that He is the Messiah along with discerning the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man (John 1:51).
In Acts 1:3, it is recorded that Jesus presented Himself alive after His suffering to the apostles with many proofs, appearing to them multiple times over a forty day period while speaking to them of the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). These appearances were not merely a matter of seeing Jesus, they underscored the significance of His visibility to them as definitive proof of His resurrection. They saw Christ after His resurrection in a discernible manner (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).