WRITTEN TO THOSE LOVED BY GOD
The book called the Acts of the Apostles was the second New Testament work written by Luke. It picks up where Luke’s gospel left off. Luke was a physician and a traveling companion of the apostle Paul. In his “first narrative,” he wrote an “orderly account” (Luke 1:3) of what Jesus “began to do and teach.” In his second book, he wrote about the acts and words of the apostles after the ascension of Christ. His primary focus was on two of the apostles, namely, Simon Peter and Paul.
Luke addressed both of his books to a man named, Theophilus, whose Greek name means “loved by God” or “friend of God.” Theophilus was probably the benefactor for Luke’s two volumes, paying for their publication and distribution. Some take note that since Luke referred to him with the honorific, “most excellent Theophilus,” in his gospel, that he may have been a Roman official or leader.
Nothing more is known about the identity of Theophilus because nothing further is written about him in the Scriptures. But we can know this: The two books written by Luke were addressed to one who is “loved by God.” Indeed, one might say that the whole Bible was written to all of those who are loved by God.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we love Your Word. For it is like a love letter written to us as Your children. Thank You. And thank You for Your Living Word, Jesus. For by Him we are adopted into Your family. And thank You for Your Holy Spirit. For by Him we are able to read and understand Your Word. Strengthen us this day to declare Your Word to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.