Who is Theophilus in the Bible?
Theophilus in the Bible
In the New Testament, the name Theophilus appears in the introductions of two pivotal books: the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. These works, authored by Luke the physician, provide a comprehensive account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early history of the Christian Church (Acts ends around 62-63 AD).. Despite the significance of these texts, the identity of Theophilus remains a mystery.
This post explores Theophilu's’ possible identity and the implications of his inclusion in Luke’s monumental works.
The Identity of Theophilus
The name Theophilus means “friend of God” or “loved by God” in Greek, which has led to various interpretations of his identity. There are three main theories regarding who Theophilus might have been:
1. A Specific Individual
The most straightforward interpretation is that Theophilus was a real person, possibly a high-ranking official or a patron of Luke’s work. This view is supported by the formal address “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1), which suggests that he was a person of some social standing, possibly a Roman official or a wealthy benefactor. Some scholars propose that he may have been a Roman magistrate or a person of influence who provided financial support for Luke’s research and writing. In this context, the dedication to Theophilus aligns with the custom of dedicating written works to patrons who provided the resources necessary for their completion. This relationship between author and patron would not only demonstrate Luke’s gratitude but also validate the authority and credibility of the work by tying it to a respected figure within Roman society.
2. A Symbolic Figure
Another interpretation is that Theophilus is a symbolic representation of all who seek to understand and believe in the teachings of Christianity. By addressing his work to “Theophilus,” Luke may have intended to address all “friends of God,” emphasizing that the teachings and events described are for the benefit of all believers. This view is supported by the understanding that early Christian writings often used symbolic names to address broader audiences. The symbolic interpretation highlights Luke’s broader missional purpose, as his writings are intended for anyone who loves God and seeks to know Him better, regardless of their social or economic standing. In this sense, “Theophilus” transcends the confines of an individual and serves as a message to all readers about their place in the Christian faith.
3. An Ideal Reader
Theophilus might also represent the ideal reader of Luke’s writings—a person seeking a detailed and orderly account of Jesus’ life and the early Church. In this sense, Theophilus would be an archetype of the inquisitive and thoughtful reader who desires to be informed about the foundations of the Christian faith. Nolland, among others, suggests that such an ideal reader could be a God-fearing Gentile, someone with reverence for the Jewish tradition but who may be unfamiliar with the full story of Jesus and the early Christian movement. Addressing this type of reader would explain Luke’s approach to writing—his methodical structure, historical precision, and careful explanation of Jewish customs—ensuring that even those outside the Jewish faith would have a clear and accessible account of the Gospel.
The Purpose of Addressing Theophilus
Luke’s address to Theophilus serves several important purposes in his writings:
1. Establishing Credibility
By addressing a specific individual, Luke establishes credibility and indicates that his work is intended for someone well-placed to understand and appreciate the significance of his research. This also suggests that Luke’s account is not merely a compilation of oral traditions but a carefully researched and thoughtfully compiled narrative.
In his preface (Luke 1:1-3), Luke says he is 4th in line. There are the historical events --> eyewitnesses ---> the eyewitnesses testified --> some wrote down --> Luke is taking oral and written testimony and adding his research as well and organizing in a coherent, persuasive way.
2. Providing Assurance
Luke writes to Theophilus to provide assurance about the things he has been taught. In the opening verses of the Gospel of Luke, he states his purpose: “to write an orderly account…so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:3-4). This assurance is crucial for early Christians who faced doubts and challenges regarding the truth of Jesus’ life and teachings.
Luke is not writing a mere historical account of the events of Jesus' life, as remarkable as they are. Luke's intent is to persuade. Notably, Luke does not believe that understanding the historical facts of Jesus' life is enough, for in Acts 2 the Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in enlightening the hearts and minds of folks who knew the events of Jesus' life and yet did not believe. His hope is that by reading, the Holy Spirit would do that gracious again in his audience.
3. Encouraging Reflection
By addressing Theophilus as “most excellent,” Luke acknowledges the importance of thoughtful reflection and understanding. The detailed accounts in both the Gospel and Acts are meant to encourage readers to reflect deeply on the implications of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, as well as the early Church’s mission and growth.
Each generation must ask itself, "What do we believe and why do we believe it?" Luke's detailed account helps place the life of the church within the life of Christ.
Most notably, Luke notices how the Apostle Paul's life is patterned after Jesus' life, and the church prevails.
The Significance of Theophilus in Luke’s Writings
The inclusion of Theophilus in the introductions to both Luke and Acts highlights several key themes:
1. Continuity of the Narrative
The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are intended to be read as a continuous narrative. Theophilus’ mention at the beginning of both works establishes a link between the life of Jesus and the development of the early Church, emphasizing that the story of Christianity is ongoing and interconnected.
2. Historical and Theological Foundation
Luke’s thorough research and orderly account serve to provide a historical and theological foundation for understanding Jesus and the early Church. Theophilus’ role as a recipient of this information underscores the importance of grounding Christian faith in historical events and theological reflection.
3. Personal Engagement
Addressing Theophilus personally underscores the idea that the message of Christianity is meant for individuals. It invites readers to engage with the text on a personal level, considering how the teachings of Jesus and the early Church apply to their own lives. The gospel is the message of the Church; it is good news for people.
Conclusion
The identity of Theophilus may remain uncertain, but his role in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles is clear and significant. Whether he was a specific individual, a symbolic figure, or an ideal reader, Theophilus represents the thoughtful, inquisitive, and faithful audience that Luke intended to reach. Through his detailed accounts, Luke not only provides a historical record of Jesus’ life and the early Church but also offers assurance and encouragement to all who seek to understand and follow the teachings of Christianity.
Scholarship
If you are interested in reading more about the Gospel of Luke, I recommend:
Nolland, John. Luke 1–9:20. Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 35A. Word Books, 1989.
Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1997.
Gonzales, Justo. The Story Luke Tells.
