Are You a Theophilus Too?

Calm down! That your ‘No’ is too sharp and too fast. Of course, I know your name is not Theophilus but shouldn’t we all be Theophilus all the same? The gospel of Luke began with a salutation that I found personally intriguing especially in Luke 1:3 when he said “…Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honourable Theophilus”

The true identity of Theophilus in this passage has remained unknown, while some thought that Theophilus might have been Luke’s patron, a wealthy person responsible for funding the writing, copying, and distribution of Luke’s Gospel and the book of Acts; other thought that Luke could have been writing to the church at large. The reason for the latter is simple, this Greek word ‘Theophilus’ actually means “friend of God.” 

However, Luke continued in verse 4 to state the reason why he was writing a gospel account, it is so that you (Theophilus – friend of God) can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught. Of course, that is a noble goal, everyone who claims to be a lover of God, a friend of God, and a child of God should be certain of the truth concerning Christ who himself is the truth. We must be certain about things concerning what Christ did and taught; more importantly, we must obey them. This is the only way that our faith can stand the test of time. 

Luke went on in the same chapter to introduce us to a couple (Zachariah and Elizabeth), they were lovers of God (Theophilus). Luke tells us that they were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. Yet in verse 7, he added that “They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old”. What! How could this be the reward of their faithful service? And how were they still committed to God despite their condition? It is because the Lord himself is first their reward. In the end, God came through for them but guess what? Even if he didn’t, they would still not have bowed their knees to other gods. 

I ask you again, are you a Theophilus? To truly be a lover of God begins with a faithful commitment to God’s word in order to be certain of the truth of everything you were taught. It is followed by obedience to the truth you know and finds expression in how you respond to life. We all should be Theophilus, we all should be friends of God.