Who Was Theophilus in the Bible?
Who Was Theophilus in the Bible? Theophilus was the recipient of Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts — likely a Gentile of high standing seeking certainty about the faith.
Key verse: Luke 1:3-4 (KJV)
Theophilus was the recipient of Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts — likely a Gentile of high standing seeking certainty about the faith.
Theophilus was the recipient of Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts — likely a Gentile of high standing seeking certainty about the faith.
"It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed." — Luke 1:3-4 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
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The Biblical Answer
Theophilus (meaning 'lover of God' or 'loved by God') is addressed by Luke at the opening of both his Gospel and the book of Acts. Luke calls him 'most excellent Theophilus,' a title used elsewhere of Roman officials such as Felix and Festus, suggesting Theophilus was a man of high social rank. Luke writes so that Theophilus might know 'the certainty' of the things he had been taught. Some scholars believe Theophilus was a recent convert, others a sponsor who funded Luke's research, and a few have proposed he was a Roman official considering the faith. Whoever he was, his name reminds every reader that the Scriptures are written so that we, too, might know with certainty the truth concerning Christ.
Key Scripture References
"It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed."
"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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