Luke 1:3 “it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,”
Many have strongly suggested that this Theophilus is a reference to lovers of God in general. This is consistent with the name in Greek. And, the idea is quite pleasant. It is not without support. The accounts from Luke, his gospel and Acts, do not read like a personal letter.
However, without trying to pour cold water on a good thing, I must point out a few reasons why such a scenario is not likely. For one, the accounts, both Luke and Acts, are addressed to the same name. They read as if they are what they are presented to be, something of a running narrative. The dedication, if you will, is what we find here. We wouldn’t expect to find references to Theophilus in other places in the account as you would with a regular letter. Thus it seems consistent with what it claims to be. Another point is that the chief reason we might accept the general addressing of the narrative is that we do not know the identity of Theophilus if indeed he was a specific person. Well, that doesn’t prove much. There are many personalities in Scripture that we know little to nothing about.
Finally perhaps the biggest reason to see this as a reference to a specific person is the way he is addressed. Luke uses the appellation ‘most excellent’ as if this man might have been a political appointee. He further says in the next verse that this person has been instructed concerning the things about Christ. So we would tend to take this as a specific reference to a specific person because that is how it presents itself. It would not be outlandish to expect a name like Theophilus to be given.
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your work in each of our lives. Just as with Theophilus, You seek to make Your Truth known to us. What a mercy! Thank You for Your grace! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.