Theophilus is mentioned at the beginning of both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, which were both written by Luke. Here is what we know about Theophilus from Scripture:
Theophilus was addressed directly by Luke
In Luke 1:3 Luke says, “it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus.” And in Acts 1:1 Luke writes, “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” So both books are directly addressed to Theophilus.
Theophilus was called “most excellent”
The title “most excellent” in Luke 1:3 indicates that Theophilus held some official position and was probably a Roman dignitary or magistrate. The title was used of Roman governors like Felix (Acts 23:26; 24:3) and Festus (Acts 26:25). So Theophilus was likely a high-ranking Roman official.
The name Theophilus means “lover of God”
The name Theophilus comes from two Greek words – “theos” meaning God and “philos” meaning lover or friend. So his name means friend of God or lover of God. This could mean he was actually a lover of God. Or it may have been a symbolic name used by Luke to represent those who love God.
The books were written to instruct Theophilus
Luke addresses his Gospel and Acts to Theophilus so “that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4). The implication is that Theophilus had already received some Christian instruction but Luke wanted to give him an orderly and thorough account to solidify his faith and understanding.
Theophilus may have been Luke’s benefactor
It was common in Luke’s day to dedicate literary works to important patrons who may have commissioned the work. So some believe Theophilus could have been the person who funded or authorized Luke’s research and writings about the life of Jesus and the early church.
Theophilus may represent other seekers
While Luke wrote specifically to Theophilus, his intention was that the books would be copied and distributed to many. So Theophilus could function as a literary device representing the other seekers who would benefit from Luke’s writings.
In summary, Theophilus was likely a high-ranking Gentile Roman official who had learned about Christianity and desired to know more. Luke addressed him directly and wrote orderly histories about Jesus and the early church to instruct Theophilus and other God-lovers who needed accurate accounts to build their faith upon.
Here are some key passages that provide clues about Theophilus:
Luke 1:1-4 – Luke explains his purpose for writing to Theophilus
Acts 1:1 – Luke continues his previous account to Theophilus
A few important points can be gleaned about Theophilus:
- He had already received some form of Christian instruction
- He held an important official position, likely within the Roman government
- His name means “friend of God” or “lover of God”
- Luke addressed him with the noble title “most excellent”
- Luke wanted to provide him with accurate and orderly accounts to solidify his faith
- He may have granted Luke approval and resources for writing
- He represents other seekers who need spiritual nurturing
While Theophilus appears minor in Scripture, he provides important insights about Luke’s intended audience and purpose. Theophilus was part of the educated Roman elite that Christianity was reaching in the 1st century. Many were drawn to the faith, but needed tutoring to fully grasp Christ’s teachings. Through accurate historical accounts, Luke equipped Theophilus and other God-lovers to stand firm in the truth.
Theophilus’ position as a Roman official was likely important in spreading Luke’s writings across the empire. Early tradition suggests Luke’s books were penned in Achaia and traveled with Theophilus back to Rome. As part of the imperial government, Theophilus had the means to ensure Luke’s accounts were copied and circulated among other influential Romans interested in Christianity.
It is a testament to Theophilus’ character that he supported and promoted the works of a foreign faith despite potential backlash. As his name suggests, Theophilus truly loved God and pursued the divine truth against the prevailing culture. His quest to learn more about Christ and bolster his faith is one we can aspire to emulate today.
While little biographical information is known about Theophilus, we are privileged to share in the faith-bolstering accounts written for his benefit. When we read the Gospel of Luke or Acts, we too can feel addressed as recipients of Christ’s truth. In this way, Theophilus’ legacy lives on for every believer who discovers more of God’s love through Luke’s writings.
Theophilus and Roman Christianity
As a high-ranking Roman official, Theophilus provides unique insights into the spread of Christianity in the upper echelons of imperial society. During the 1st century AD, Christianity began permeating the privileged classes in major Roman cities like Rome and Corinth.
Many wealthy and educated Romans were drawn to the eloquence of Christian apologists like Paul and Luke. They found the Gospel resonated with Old Testament prophecies and possessed a sophisticated philosophical framework. Christianity’s founder was intriguing and its disciples were willing to suffer persecution for their faith. For spiritually hungry elites, it presented a compelling new religious option.
Theophilus was part of this demographic but needed help fully grasping Christianity’s complex teachings. His patronage of Luke provided educational writings tailored to the Roman elite. Luke couched Christ’s life and ministry in Greco-Roman literary conventions familiar to imperial readers. His meticulous historiography traced Christianity to verifiable locations and eyewitnesses.
For Theophilus, Luke’s writings helped substantiate Christianity’s credibility and deepen his understanding of God’s plan. Other leading Romans would have viewed Theophilus’ endorsement as a sign that Christianity merited serious examination. Once convinced, they too used their wealth, influence and mobility to promote Christianity in Rome and beyond.
Theophilus is a shining example that Christianity spread not just through the lower classes, but also attracted upper class Romans thanks to promoters like Paul and Luke. His quest for spiritual truth led him to risk position and reputation as he advocated a persecuted faith among skeptical imperial elites. Theophilus exemplifies those courageous believers who carry God’s light into seats of power that desperately need awakening.
Theophilus as a literary construct
While Theophilus may have been a real person, some contend that Luke used his name as a literary device. Arguments for this include:
- His name meaning “lover of God” seems too allegorical.
- He is scrubbed of distinguishing features that might identify him historically.
- Luke never mentions him outside the prefaces of his two volumes.
- Few reliable traditions about him exist in early church history.
So Theophilus could represent the ideal reader who loves God and seeks truth. In this view, Luke did not target a specific patron but wrote more universally to all faithful Christians:
- Luke draws his readers in by addressing them under the honorable title of God-lover.
- He informs them that truth comes through reliable testimony, which he then provides.
- His goal is to reassure all believers and strengthen their devotion to Christ.
Whether an actual person or literary device, Theophilus plays an important role in transmitting Luke’s message. His inclusion motivates readers to identify with the God-lovers seeking spiritual nourishment. And like Theophilus, we find purpose and belonging in Christ by reading Scripture.
Theophilus and Apollos
Some propose that Theophilus was connected to the figure Apollos mentioned in Acts 18:24-28. Apollos was an eloquent Jewish-Christian from Alexandria who knew the Scriptures well but needed further instruction in the Gospel. This resembles what we know of Theophilus.
Possible Apollos-Theophilus links include:
- Both were located in the cultural center of Alexandria.
- Both were familiar with Scripture but needed more Christian teaching.
- Apollos went on to Corinth where Luke first joined Paul.
- Theophilus accompanied Paul on later travels to Rome.
Under this view, Theophilus met Apollos in Alexandria and learned about Christianity. Apollos mentored him further but Theophilus still sought deeper knowledge. This led him to commission Luke who traveled with Paul and could provide eyewitness accounts. Luke’s writings strengthened Theophilus’ faith just as Priscilla and Aquila did for Apollos.
However, the Apollos link remains speculative since Scripture never connects him with Theophilus directly. Luke certainly knew of Apollos but does not associate him with Theophilus in any way. Their similarities are thought-provoking but may simply reflect a common profile of Greco-Roman seekers drawn to Christianity in that era.
Theophilus as Luke’s benefactor
It was common practice in ancient times to dedicate literary works to important patrons who sponsored the author. Many propose Theophilus served this role for Luke which would explain several features:
- Luke addresses him with the noble title “most excellent.”
- His accounts are tailored for a Greek Gentile audience.
- The scope of research required travel sponsored by a wealthy benefactor.
- Theophilus promoted and preserved Luke’s writings.
However, Luke’s writings don’t resemble the flattering tone ancient writers used with financial patrons. And Luke does not appear to have been wealthy enough to research and write independently. So Theophilus was likely not a direct source of funding.
Nevertheless, Theophilus still could have granted approval for Luke to interview eyewitnesses and compose original histories. His authority as a Roman official opened access to records and imperial officials Luke needed to interview. Theophilus then appreciated the histories so much he had copies made and disseminated.
In this capacity, Theophilus acted more as a literary champion than a financial sponsor. His endorsement brought Luke’s histories to the awareness of educated Greeks and Romans who would appreciate their value. The respect Luke shows Theophilus reveals his crucial role in promoting Christian truth through accurate historical writing.
Theophilus and early church history
While Luke mentions Theophilus prominently, the rest of early church history has little to say about him. A few tidbits found in later traditions include:
- He was a Roman official converted by Paul in Rome.
- He became the bishop of Antioch in Syria or Bishop of Constantinople.
- He died in AD 115 at the age of 99.
However, these traditions date long after the 1st century and mix Theophilus with other figures. They likely developed to fill the silence around this mysterious dedicatee of Luke. Unfortunately, this means reliable biographical information about Theophilus is severely lacking.
Some scholars conclude that the absence of historical attestation suggests Theophilus was not a real person. But it could also mean he died shortly after Luke’s writings and had a limited role. The focus was rightly not on Theophilus himself but on the truth he helped spread to the world through Luke’s Gospel.
While details about his life remain a mystery, Theophilus continues to play a vital part in Christianity. Every believer who has grown in faith thanks to Luke’s accounts stands in the tradition of this great Roman God-lover who commissioned them so long ago.
