3/14/21

"It seemed good to me also, having had a 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)
The gospel of Luke was not written by one of the 12 apostles. It is pretty certain that the author had never met Jesus while He was a man. But, God used a medical doctor, a physician, to pen the inspired words of the gospel of Luke. The good doctor writes of Jesus' humanity, and divinity.
It is believed that Dr. Luke was from Antioch, the place where believers were first called "Christians", which literally means, "little Christs".
He and the apostle Paul were good friends, and missionaries for Jesus. They travelled together, spreading the good news.
But, who was Theophilus? We do not know!
Several theories exist:
1) That he was just a casual acquaintance of Luke that had made inquiries about Jesus, the Christ.
2) That he was a Roman official, and Luke was witnessing unto him by mail.
3) That he was Paul's attorney, and Luke was giving a statement to try to help Paul's defense, in Rome.
4) That it was an honorary title, and didn't belong to any person in particular. The name, Theophilus, means, "friend of God".
Maybe that is who "Theophilus" was. Someone like you and me, who was privileged to become the friend of God, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Any hoo, I think I am Theophilus. Each and every time that I read the gospel of Luke, or the Acts of the Apostles, I read it as though Luke is writing to me to assure me that Jesus is our Savior, and the church is His witness in this world.
If you are not Theophilus, you should be!
From my heart to your heart.