December 5, 2023 – Does the Bible Say…?

“Does the Bible say Theophilus was a person?”

 “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.” Acts 1:1ff

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. No matter how much evidence there may or may not be for each theory, the simple fact is we do not know.

As we know, names in the bible are important and can be very significant. For example, Jacob is renamed Israel: “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”(Genesis 32:28) And the place where this happened gets a name: “So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”

The name “Theophilus” literally means “loved by G-d” or “lover of G-d” – even “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”, 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.

Yes it might be considered splitting hairs when we ask such questions. But this is what makes the Bible such a rich and rewarding book – and deserves our study.

Pastor Dave