12-26-2012, 12:31 AM
I know there are a lot of theories that Theophilus (Tawpeela) was either referring to the general Christian believer or to a public official. The fact that the receiver of Luke's Gospel and Acts is referred to as "most excellent Theophilus" is telling, and seems to point to the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles as being sent to an individual. The fact that it could be translated as "lover of God" makes one wonder if this is the receiver's name, or if it is referring to anybody who reads it. I think it is both. Those who read and understand the Word of God are lovers of God as long as they keep the commandments of Christ. The Bible was written by the Holy Spirit through the apostles, prophets, and other authors in order to give us instruction and show us the way to salvation. The Word of God is a gift from God to the believer!