Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

THEOPHILUS

(Gk. Theóphilos)

The person to whom Luke’s Gospel and Acts are addressed (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). Gk. krátistos, the adjective translated “most excellent” in Luke 1:3, favors the view that Theophilus (“loved of God” or “friend of God”) is the name of a real individual and not merely a symbol for Christian or God-fearing readers. Furthermore, this honorific form of address suggests that Theophilus is highly respected in society, possibly a man of considerable financial means who helped fund the publication of Luke’s writings. It is also possible that “most excellent” alludes to an official position he holds within the Roman government (cf. Acts 23:26; 24:2; 26:25).

The author of Luke-Acts wants to make sure that Theophilus has an accurate and orderly historical account of the events surrounding the ministry of Jesus and the emerging Church (Luke 1:2-3) in order that Theophilus might be fully assured of the truth about such matters (v. 4). Whether Theophilus has embraced the Christian faith or not is difficult to determine, for the preface of Luke (1:1-4) and the content of Luke-Acts in general seem appropriate for the interests of evangelism as well as Christian training.

Peter K. Nelson

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

THEOPHILUS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)