Bible Dictionaries

Holman Bible Dictionary

Theophilus

(thih ahf' ih luhss) Personal name meaning, “friend of God.” The person to whom the Books of Luke and Acts were written (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1 ). However, his exact identity is unknown. Speculation has ranged from the generic “friend of God” intended to all Christians to a specific benefactor, perhaps in high social and/or political standing. If the latter is true, the name may be a pseudonym to protect the individual from persecution. One conjecture holds that Theophilus was unsaved and that Luke wrote the letter to persuade his belief in Christ.