We know Luke writes twice to Theophilus and that these letters are part of the Bible in the books of Luke and Acts.
Though the Bible tells us nothing about Theophilus, Luke addresses both his letters to this mysterious person. The reason is significant. Luke wants Theophilus to know for certain the things he had been taught about Jesus.
Think about this.
Someone tells Theophilus about Jesus. Perhaps Theophilus believes, but maybe he isn’t fully convinced. He might carry a tinge of doubt about this Jesus, the man who changed religion into a relationship.
It’s so countercultural that it’s revolutionary. Regardless, Luke feels it’s worth his time to help Theophilus know Jesus for sure.
This is a huge undertaking for Luke. He spends a great deal of time researching the subject and more time writing his findings—all for Theophilus.
Luke’s biography of Jesus is the longest book in the New Testament, at just under 20,000 words. His sequel, the book of Acts, is the second longest. Together they’re almost the length of a short novel. That’s a lot of words, a lot of writing, and a lot of research.
Though Luke writes this book for one person, Theophilus, it’s available for us two thousand years later. Like Theophilus, we too can read Luke’s account of Jesus so that we can know for certain the things we’ve been taught.
How much effort will we make to help one person know Jesus for sure?
[Discover more about Theophilus in Luke 1:1–4 and Acts 1:1–2.]
Read about more biblical characters in The Friends and Foes of Jesus, now available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Come face to face with Christ’s closest followers as well as his most outspoken rivals in The Friends and Foes of Jesus. Be inspired to follow their successes and informed to avoid their mistakes.
Get your copy of The Friends and Foes of Jesus today!
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.