Theophilus Θεόφιλος
Recipient of Luke's Gospel and Acts
Biography
Theophilus is mentioned in Luk.1.3 and Act.1.1 as the recipient of these two books written by Luke. He is addressed as "most excellent Theophilus," indicating a person of high social or political standing, possibly a Roman official or a wealthy benefactor of the church. Luke states that he wrote his Gospel to provide Theophilus with an orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus, based on eyewitness testimonies. The Book of Acts, also addressed to Theophilus, continues the narrative of the early church's growth and mission. The dedication suggests that Theophilus was a Christian who had received some instruction in the faith but needed a more comprehensive understanding. No other details are provided about Theophilus' background, conversion, or role in the church. His identity remains unknown, but his mention reflects the importance of written accounts in transmitting and confirming the gospel message for believers.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentLuke 1 verse Study available
- Luke 1:3
"it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;"
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Acts 1 verse Study available
- Acts 1:1
"The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Θεόφιλος | G2321 |
Theophilus
has been suggested that Theophilus is merely a generic term for all Christians, but the epithet "most excellent" implies it was applied by Luke to a definite person, probably a Roman official, whom he held in high respect. Theophilus may have been the presbyter who took part in sending the letter from the Corinthians to Paul, given in the "Acta Pauli" (compare Hennecke, Neutestamentliche Apokryphen, 378). There is also a magistrate Theophilus mentioned in the "Ac of James" as being converted by James on his way to India (compare Budge, The Contendings of the Apostles, II, 299), but these and other identifications, together with other attempts to trace out the further history of the original Theophilus, are without sufficient evidence for their establishment (compare also Knowling in The Expositor Greek Testament, II, 49-51).
C. M. Kerr
the'-ras (Thera): The river by which the company assembled in preparation for the march to Jerusalem under Ezra (1 Esdras 8:41,61). In Ezr 8:21,31</re