If I Could Ask One Question of Theophilus, I would ask “Did You Get Luke’s Letter?”, and “To Whom Did You Give The Letters?”

 “Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.” Luke 1:1-4

“In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:1-5

Who was Theophilus? That is a great question. We really do not know who Theophilus was – but that has not stopped theologians and biblical scholars from putting forth different theories as to who he might be. No matter how much evidence there may or may not be for each theory, the simple fact is we do not who Theophilus was because the Bible does not identify who he was. But, why should we let that stop us from thinking about him. The name “Theophilus” literally means “loved by G-d” or “lover of G-d” – it can even carry the idea of “friend of G-d.” 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, since he includes the address “Most Excellent”.

It is important to note that Luke addresses him as “most excellent,” 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 and Festus, both mentioned later in Acts. Therefore, one of the most common theories is that Theophilus was possibly a Roman officer or high-ranking official in the Roman government. Another possibility is that Theophilus was a wealthy and influential man in the city of Antioch. There are second-century references to a man named Theophilus who was “a great lord” and a leader in the city of Antioch during the time of Luke. Such a man would fit the description, as many scholars believe that Theophilus could have been a wealthy benefactor who supported Paul and Luke on their missionary journeys. That would account for Luke’s wanting to provide an orderly and detailed account of what had happened. 

My question though regarding Theophilus is not about who he was, or wasn’t – I want to know if he ever got the letters from Luke – and what did he do with them? Obviously someone got the letters, for they have been preserved for millennia as they were included in the Canon. As such, the importance of the letters was immediately evident – either by Theophilus, or by his church. They would have been shared, passed along, copied, and repeated orally over the centuries.

Yes, I know I have broken my own rules here by asking two questions, but still, this is what I would ask Theophilus? What is the one (two) question (s) you would ask him?

Pastor Dave