Lectionary Calendar
Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
the Week of Proper 12 / Ordinary 17
Attention!
Tired of seeing ads while studying? Now you can enjoy an "Ads Free" version of the site for as little as 10¢ a day and support a great cause!
Click here to learn more!

Bible Dictionaries
Theophilus

Holman Bible Dictionary

Search for…
or
1 2 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
Prev Entry
Theophany
Next Entry
Thessalonica
Resource Toolbox
Additional Links
(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.

Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Theophilus'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hbd/​t/theophilus.html. 1991.
 
adsfree-icon
Ads FreeProfile