Theophilus was the person for whom Luke originally wrote his two books: the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. It is interesting to note that around 26% of the New Testament was written by Luke to Theophilus. Luke’s desire was to prove to Theophilus the truth of Jesus the Messiah’s life, death and resurrection.

The name Theophilus appears in only two places in the Bible, Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-3. Luke wrote these two books around 61-63 AD which is during the time that the Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome, and Luke was with him (2 Timothy 4:11).

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Browse Article Contents:

• The Meaning of Theophilus
• Luke Writes to Theophilus
• Theophilus in Acts
• Theories About Theophilus
• Conclusion

The Meaning of Theophilus

The name Theophilus is from the Greek word “theophilos” and means “friend of God” or “loved by God.” The most common theory is that Theophilus was of high social standing and a friend of Luke. In his Gospel, Luke addressed Theophilus as “most excellent”, which is a Roman title of respect and possibly of official importance.

Luke Writes to Theophilus

His introduction to Theophilus, in the book of Luke, begins like this:
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4, NIV).

Luke’s phrase “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” gives the impression that Theophilus was probably a Gentile (a non-Jewish person) with whom Luke had studied Christianity. Luke wanted to prove to Theophilus that what he has learned about Jesus is in fact true.

Theophilus in the Book of Acts

In the introduction to the Book of Acts, Luke tells Theophilus that this second volume is a continuation of the history he had written about in the book of Luke. Luke continues the narrative detailing the growth of the early Christian Church after Jesus returned to heaven.

This is what Luke says in Acts 1:1-3,
“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (NKJV).

Again, Luke wants to show Theophilus the reality of the existence of Jesus, by “many infallible proofs.” In Luke’s two volumes, he sets forth the facts that not only did Jesus die on the cross, but He also rose again. And because He rose again and is in heaven, His disciples desired to spread His teachings throughout all parts of the Roman Empire.

We should remember that the books of Luke and Acts were not written for Theophilus only, but also for those in our day, to show the existence and reality of Jesus.

Theories about Theophilus

Beyond what Luke writes, the rest of the Bible says nothing about Theophilus. Because of the lack of biblical information, church tradition and scholarly theories have developed over time about Theophilus’ true identity.

A Jew from Alexandria in Egypt

A tradition from the Coptic (Ethiopian) church says that Theophilus was a Jewish person of social standing who lived in Alexandria, Egypt. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, adhered to this idea in some of his writings. But there are no facts to back this idea.

A Roman Official

Some commentators think Theophilus was a Roman official because Luke referred to him as “most excellent”. Later, though, in Acts of the Apostles, Luke just mentions him by name without the title.

An Honorary Title

Some people think that Theophilus was not a person at all. According to this view the word “theophilo” (“friend of God”) is just a title Luke uses referring to the people who will read his books. According to this idea, Luke simply meant that they were all “loved by God”.

Conclusion

Theophilus’ name meaning “friend of God” is a name we can all receive from God by following His teachings and recognizing and following Jesus as our personal friend and Savior. Theophilus' name can also mean “loved by God.” The Bible says that God is love (1 John 4:8). He loves each one of us. How wonderful that you and I can say we are loved by God!