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Theophilus

Theophilus was the recipient of Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts, to whom Luke dedicated these accounts of Jesus's life and the early church. Though little is known about him personally, his name means 'lover of God' and he represents all believers who seek reliable knowledge of Christ.

Overview

Theophilus appears as the addressee in Luke's prologue and at the opening of Acts. Luke writes to him with the stated purpose of providing an orderly, eyewitness account so that Theophilus might know the certainty of the things he had been taught about Jesus Christ and the apostolic witness.

Key Scriptures

"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus" (Luke 1:1–3, ESV).

"In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach" (Acts 1:1, ESV).

Application

Like Theophilus, seek reliable, eyewitness testimony about Christ through Scripture to deepen your certainty in the gospel.

Scripture References 2
Full Topical Reference List 2 total — Nave's Topical Bible

A Christian to whom Luke addressed the books of Luke and Acts.