Topic: Who was Theophilus
Luke 1:3, “It seemed fitting for me (Luke) as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus.”
The name “Theophilus” literally means “loved by God,” but carries the idea of “friend of God.” This has led some to believe that “Theophilus” is just a generic title that applies to all Christians. However, from the context of Luke and Acts, it seems clear that Luke is writing to a specific individual, even though his message is also intended for all Christians in all centuries. While both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts have applications for all Christians, they were probably written to a specific individual whom Luke addresses as “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3).
It seems clear that Theophilus was an actual person, since Luke refers to him as “most excellent.” This is a title often used when referring to someone of honor or rank, such as a Roman official. Paul used the same term when addressing Felix (Acts 23:26; Acts 24:2) and Festus (Acts 26:25). Therefore, Theophilus was possibly a Roman officer or high-ranking official in the Roman government.
Other ideas that have been proposed—such as a wealthy relative of Caesar, a wealthy benefactor who supported Paul, or Paul’s Roman lawyer—do not really matter. What really matters is Luke’s stated purpose for writing, “It seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:4).
Luke wrote an historical account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and detailed the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. His intention was to give Theophilus certainty that the “things he had been taught” were indeed true and trustworthy.
Why was this needed? In the opening verse Luke makes it clear that there were some other accounts circulating about Jesus that were false. The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to write the truth through investigating and examining from first hand witnesses everything from Jesus’ birth, preaching, miracles, sufferings, death, resurrection, and ascension. Luke’s gospel serves as a sure foundation on which they might safely build faith in Jesus (Luke 9:10).
You can be assured the Gospel according to Luke is true. Just as Theophilus was called to pick up the cross and follow Jesus, you are called to follow Jesus as well (Luke 9:23-24).
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem