Theophilus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Theophilus in the Bible?
Theophilus was a person of high social standing, possibly a Roman official, to whom the author of Luke and Acts addressed his two-volume historical work.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Theophilus helps clarify that Luke's writings were intended for a specific educated audience seeking verified historical accounts of Jesus, rather than being a general anonymous pamphlet.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Theophilus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Theophilus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Theophilus clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Theophilus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/theophilus/