Luke 1:3; act 1:1
Theophilus (Gr. Theophilos, “beloved of God” or “friend of God”; well-known name used by Gentiles and Jews alike). Nobleman, possibly an important official, to whom Luke dedicated his Gospel and the book of Acts (Luk 1:1-4; Act 1:1). It is not known if he was already a Christian at the time, or if he was just interested in Christianity. According to a very old Christian tradition, he was from Antioch in Syria.
Source: Evangelical Bible Dictionary
It is reasonable to assume that Theophilus, to whom Luke dedicated his Gospel (Luk 1:3) and also the book of Acts (Acts 1:1) was a real person. The most excellent title demands it, while the name and title together suggest a person of equestrian rank who became a believer. Nothing is known of the man.
Source: Hispanic World Bible Dictionary
(friend of God).
Character to whom Luke dedicated his Gospel and the Acts, and about whom we know nothing: (Luke 1:3, Hch.l:l). the “theophiles”, are you and me, the “friends of God”, to whom Luke dedicates his Gospel and his book of Acts.
Christian Bible Dictionary
Dr. J. Dominguez
http://bible.com/dictionary/
Source: Christian Bible Dictionary
(Beloved of God, or friend of God). Character to whom Luke dedicates his Gospel and the Book of Acts (Luke 1: 3; Acts 1: 1). It is evident that he was someone of a certain social category. Luke’s treatment of him, “O most excellent Theophilus,” suggests the possibility that he held some official position, or at least that he was a member of that special class in Roman society called “the equestrian order.” Luke records the use of this address on three other occasions: “To the most excellent Governor Felix” (Acts 23:26). “O most excellent Felix” (Acts 24:3) and “most excellent Festus” (Acts 26:25).
Source: Christian Bible Dictionary
tip, BIOG HOMB HONT
see, ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
vet, = “beloved of God”. The Christian to whom Luke addressed his Gospel (Luke 1:3) and the Acts (Acts 1:1). (See ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.)
Source: New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Theophilus, friend of God, is an illustrious character, to whom Saint Luke dedicates the Gospel (Lk 1,3-4) and the Acts of the Apostles (Act 1,1).
MNE
FERNANDEZ RAMOS, Felipe (Dir.), Dictionary of Jesus of Nazareth, Editorial Monte Carmelo, Burbos, 2001
Source: Dictionary of Jesus of Nazareth
(Beloved of God; Friend of God).
Person to whom Luke addressed his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. (Lu 1:3, 4; Ac 1:1) His being called “most excellent” may indicate that he held an important position, or it may simply be an expression of appreciation. Apparently, Theophilus was a Christian, and had been verbally taught about Jesus and his ministry. Lucas’s written document served to corroborate what he had previously learned by oral transmission.
Source: Dictionary of the Bible
(gr. theophilos, ‘wanted by God’, ‘friend of God’), the man to whom both parts of the story written by Luke are dedicated (Lk. 1.3; Acts 1.1). Some have thought that this name indicates “the Christian reader” in general, others that it conceals some well-known figure, such as Titus Flavius Clement, nephew of the Emperor Vespasian (so BH Streeter, The Four Gospels, 1924, pp. 534ff.). But most likely it is a real name. The title of “most excellent” given to him in Lk. 1.3 can denote a member of the equestrian order (possibly someone who held some official position), or also a courtesy title (cf. Acts 23.26; 24.3; 26.25). Theophilus had learned some information about Christianity, but Luke decided to provide him with a more organized and reliable account. He may have been a representative of that class of Roman society whom Luke wanted to influence in favor of the gospel, but hardly an advocate advised in Paul’s defense against Nero (so JI Still, St Paul on Trial, 1923, pp. 84ff. ),
ffb
Douglas, J. (2000). New Biblical Dictionary: First Edition. Miami: United Bible Societies.
Source: New Bible Dictionary