People of the Bible

Theophilus

The name Theophilus means “friend of God.” Theophilus is mentioned in 2 verses of the Bible, first in Luke 1:3.

Who was Theophilus?

Lover of God, a Christian, probably a Roman, to whom Luke dedicated both his Gospel (Luke 1:3) and the Acts of the Apostles (1:1). Nothing beyond this is known of him. From the fact that Luke applies to him the title “most excellent”, the same title Paul uses in addressing Felix (Acts 23:26; 24:3) and Festus (26:25), it has been concluded that Theophilus was a person of rank, perhaps a Roman officer.

Biography adapted from Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain, linked via Theographic Bible Metadata.

Key verses about Theophilus

  • Luke 1:3

    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,

  • Acts 1:1

    The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,