Theophilus

Biblical Record

Theophilus appears twice in the Bible. In both instances, the author addresses him at the opening of a book. The author of both books is traditionally identified as Luke.

• Luke 1:3 – The author states that he has carefully investigated the events concerning Jesus from the beginning and is setting them down in an orderly account for "most excellent Theophilus." In Luke 1:4 he then states his purpose: to give Theophilus greater certainty about the things he already knows.
• Acts 1:1 – Addressing him as "O Theophilus," the author says that his former treatise dealt with what Jesus did and taught. This passage is cited as evidence that Acts is a second volume following the Gospel of Luke.

Scripture records nothing about his origins, occupation, spiritual journey, or later life.

Significance Within Scripture

The name combines the Greek words for "God" (theos) and "beloved" or "loving" (philos). It is therefore interpreted as "beloved of God" or "one who loves God."

The Greek term rendered "most excellent" (kratiste) was an honorific used in addressing persons of high rank. In Acts the same word is used in addressing the governors Felix and Festus (Acts 23:26; 26:25; see Felix and Festus). In Acts 1:1, however, he is addressed by name alone, without the honorific.

Interpretations and Issues

• As a historical person: On the basis of the honorific, this view regards him as a person of high social standing. It was customary at the time to dedicate a work to someone who sponsored or circulated it, and some interpreters see Theophilus as such a patron.
• As a symbolic name: This view focuses on the meaning of the name. It reads Theophilus not as a specific individual but as a name representing every reader who loves God.
• Stage of faith: The phrase "those things, wherein thou hast been instructed" in Luke 1:4 uses a word meaning to have been taught. On this basis, some hold that he was a believer who had already received instruction in the faith. Others hold that he was an outsider interested in Christianity.

Some later traditions connect him with a prominent figure in a particular region or with a church leader. Such accounts, however, have no basis in the biblical text.

In the Korean Church

In the Korean church, Theophilus is mentioned chiefly in Bible studies and sermons introducing the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. His name comes up in explaining that the two books form a continuous work written by one author to one person. Drawing on the meaning of his name, preachers sometimes also apply the figure of "Theophilus" to believers who read the Word today.