THEOPHILUS

(The·ophʹi·lus) [friend of God].

The person to whom Luke addressed both his Gospel and the Acts of Apostles. (Luke 1:3, 4; Acts 1:1) His being called “most excellent” may indicate a high position of some kind, or may simply be an expression of high esteem. Theophilus apparently was a Christian, having been orally taught about Jesus Christ and his ministry. Luke’s written statement served to assure him of the certainty of what he had learned previously by word of mouth.