In his writings, Luke helps his readers understand the message of the Messiah. This pauses to focus on the main recipient of the letters, a man named Theophilos. His name means a “lover of God.” We will seek to learn about the man and why Luke carefully crafts him an explanation about the Messiah and his followers.
Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3a
The focal translation is the New English Translation (NET). Completed in 1996 by Biblical Studies Press, the NET uses the Greek LXX as its basis for the Old Testament.
1 Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning. 3 So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know for certain the things you were taught (Luke 1:1-4 NET).
1 I wrote the former account, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after he had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 To the same apostles also, after his suffering, he presented himself alive with many convincing proofs (Acts 1:1-3a NET).
NIV Luke 1:1-4 NIV; Acts 1:1-3a NIV
NASB Luke 1:1-4 NASB; Acts 1:1-3a NASB
NCV Luke 1:1-4 NCV; Acts 1:1-3a NCV
NLT Luke 1:1-4 NLT; Acts 1:1-3a NLT
ESV Luke 1:1-4 ESV; Acts 1:1-3a ESV
HCSB Luke 1:1-4 HCSB; Acts 1:1-3a HCSB
LEB Luke 1:1-4 LEB; Acts 1:1-3a LEB
MSG Luke 1:1-4 MESSAGE; Acts 1:1-3a MESSAGE
KJV Luke 1:1-4 KJV; Acts 1:1-3a KJV
NKJV Luke 1:1-4 NKJV; Acts 1:1-3a NKJV
1 Ἐπειδήπερ πολλοὶ ἐπεχείρησαν ἀνατάξασθαι διήγησιν περὶ τῶν πεπληροφορημένων ἐν ἡμῖν πραγμάτων, 2 καθὼς παρέδοσαν ἡμῖν οἱ ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς αὐτόπται καὶ ὑπηρέται γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου, 3 ἔδοξε κἀμοὶ παρηκολουθηκότι ἄνωθεν πᾶσιν ἀκριβῶς καθεξῆς σοι γράψαι, κράτιστε Θεόφιλε, 4 ἵνα ἐπιγνῷς περὶ ὧν κατηχήθης λόγων τὴν ἀσφάλειαν (Luke 1:1-4 Nestle-Aland Greek Text).
1 Τὸν μὲν πρῶτον λόγον ἐποιησάμην περὶ πάντων, ὦ Θεόφιλε, ὧν ἤρξατο ὁ Ἰησοῦς ποιεῖν τε καὶ διδάσκειν, 2 ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας ἐντειλάμενος τοῖς ἀποστόλοις διὰ πνεύματος ἁγίου οὓς ἐξελέξατο ἀνελήμφθη. 3 οἷς καὶ παρέστησεν ἑαυτὸν ζῶντα μετὰ τὸ παθεῖν αὐτὸν ἐν πολλοῖς τεκμηρίοις, διʼ ἡμερῶν τεσσεράκοντα ὀπτανόμενος αὐτοῖς καὶ λέγων τὰ περὶ τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ (Acts 1:1-3 Nestle-Aland Greek Text).
Erle Stanley Gardner (1889 – 1970) was an American author and lawyer. He secured a place in our records as the author of the Perry Mason legal stories. Gardner graduated from Palo Alto High School in California but connected with the state of Indiana by enrolling at Valparaiso University School of Law in 1909. One month later he was suspended from classes when his interest in boxing became a distraction to his studies. He returned to California, pursued a legal education on his own, and passed the Bar examination in 1911.
The character of Perry Mason was crafted from the real life trial attorney Earl Rogers. Rogers appeared as the attorney in 77 murder trials and lost only three cases. The Mason novels, which produced over 80 books, inspired a radio program, movies, and television programs.
The novels all shared similar titles, beginning with the words, “The Case of the ….” The first novel, “The Case of the Velvet Claws,” set the precedent for the series and inspired the title for today’s lesson.
Like Gardner, the author of the New Testament books of Luke and Acts, was a professional who was drawn into writing because of the courtroom of law. Perhaps the writings of Luke could have carried the title, “The Case of the Misunderstood Messiah.”
To help us understand, Luke writes with the precision of an attorney.
Each of the gospel writers tailored their writings to a specific audience and with a specific purpose in mind for telling the Jesus story. Matthew, for example, writes with a Jewish audience in mind. His gospel attempts to prove that Jesus was the Messiah spoken of in the Old Testament. Matthew constructs his texts with Jewish history and culture in the spotlight. He quotes from the Old Testament on numerous occasions.
Like Mark, Luke was not one of the chosen apostles. His knowledge of the gospel came by the close relationship he had with Paul and other early church leaders. Luke does say that he personally followed the story of Jesus from the beginning. Luke is referred to as a Gentile and a physician (Colossians 4:10-14). He very easily could have received his medical training in Antioch, famous for its renowned medical school. He traveled with Paul on his later missionary trips.
Even less is known about the recipient of the letter, a man named Theophilos. Many of the theories about Theophilos can be found below in Mediterranean Moments. Let’s make some conclusions just based upon what we see in passages of Scripture from the books of Luke and Acts.
Here are a handful of observations about the material written in Luke and Acts. First, Theophilos is addressed by the term, “most excellent Theophilos” (Luke 1:3). While at this time in history the term was not exclusively used before lawyers, it was often used to address prominent government officials. Luke uses the term to address both Felix and Festus (Acts 23:26; Acts 26:25).Think today of how we address judges as “your honor.”
Second, Luke uses two words to describe his presentation. He says he made his research “accurately,” which speaks to the exactness and carefulness with which he gathered his information. Luke also is resolved to write “in an orderly way. While the word does not necessarily imply chronological order, it does imply that Luke is going to put the things together which belong together and will help Theophilos understand things better.
Next, Luke spends a lot of time in Acts covering legal proceedings. A massive portion of Acts is dedicated to Paul’s arrests, trials, and formal defenses (Acts 21–26). The narrative highlights multiple declarations by Roman officials that Paul committed no crimes under Roman law.
In addition, throughout both books, Luke portrays Roman judicial authorities as fair, just, and favorable toward Paul. Luke does this to show that neither Jesus nor His followers are a threat or danger to the throne in Rome. Luke shows that the real threat would come from local Jewish religious leaders.
Finally, the book of Acts concludes with Paul under house arrest in Rome awaiting his appeal to Caesar. This implies that Luke is “living” the moment and they are awaiting the opportunity to present the case to Caesar. The accused would have been provided legal representation for the trial.
The prominent scholar who popularized the theory that Luke-Acts was written as a legal defense brief for Paul’s Roman trial is John Knox. He laid out this argument extensively in his 1942 book Marcion and the New Testament.
While all of this is speculation, the theory puts a context to the writing, explains some of the way the information is structured, and helps us understand the purpose of two significant books in the New Testament.
As a result of participation in this lesson, the student will understand the systematic and apologetic nature of Luke’s writing.
Though little is known about Theophilos, perhaps he was Paul’s appointed attorney for his trial before Caesar. Perhaps, as so many who had close contact with the apostle, Theophilos became a Christian.
Luke’s writings provided both the theological and legal basis for the attorney’s case for Christianity and the apostle.
- International Standard Bible Encyl
- Roy’s Reflections
- Union University | Dr. E E James
- Boundless.org
- Biblical Hermeneutics
- The Humble Skeptic
Look at our passage of Scripture and find answers to these questions:
- Was Luke aware of others who had written about the life of Jesus (verse 1)?
- Those who wrote about Jesus fell into one of what two groups of people (verse 2)?
- Why does Luke say that he decided to write about the life of Jesus (verse 4)?
- To whom does Luke address this book about Jesus (verse 3)?
Questions for you to ponder or to share with your small group:
- Browse through the first couple of chapters of either Luke or Acts. Can you find evidence that Luke cites for the historical accuracy of his accounts?
- Why is evidence that is historically accurate important in a court of law?
- What were the Jews’ charges against Paul before the Romans? How would Luke’s writings have helped Paul’s defense?
- Famed UCLA basketball coach John Wooden is reported to have said, “If I were ever prosecuted for my religion, I truly hope there would be enough evidence to convict me.” How much evidence would be necessary to convict you? What would be the proof against you?
- What things about the Messiah did most – including the most religious Jews – misunderstand? Do we misunderstand things about the Messiah even today?
Who was Theophilus (Theophilos)?
Theophilus is an honored recipient to whom Luke, the author of the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, dedicates both works. While there are a small group of scholars who believe the name is a generic name for all lovers of God, historical and biblical evidence strongly suggests that Theophilus was an actual individual. While not much is known about him, the following possibilities exist:
- Theophilus was a wealthy patron. Because writing materials and distribution was incredibly expensive, most biblical scholars believe that Luke would have needed financial backing to produce both Luke and Acts. Wealthy patrons supported most of the arts during the time. Theophilus most likely provided the money for the research, writing materials, and distribution of the books.
- Theophilus was a high-ranking Roman official. The term “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3) was a formal title used in the Roman Empire for officials or nobility. Eventually the term came to be used specifically for judges and attorneys.
- Theophilus was a Jewish High Priest. Some scholars believe that Theophilus ben Ananus, who served as High Priest from AD 37 to 41, was addressed by Luke. If they were friends, it would explain why Luke’s writings contain such detailed information about the Temple and religious traditions.
What was Luke’s connection with Mark?
A valuable point in our understanding of the passage that is often overlooked is the connection between Luke and Mark. Philemon 24 shows that both Luke and Mark were together with Paul in Rome.
Neither Luke nor Mark was one of the original Twelve Apostles. Their exact relationship to Jesus is unknown. Luke says that he had been involved from the beginning. Tradition says that Mark and his mother were among the larger circle of Jesus’ early followers. In the list of persons sending greetings to the Colossians (Colossians 4:10-14), Luke is singled out. Mark is also mentioned as about to make the journey to Colossae.
Mark traveled with Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. For whatever reason, Mark left the group midway through the journey. As a second journey was about to begin, Paul and Barnabas went separate ways, primarily over whether to take Mark on the journey. While some scholars paint an uneasy relationship between Paul and Mark, it does not appear to be true in Paul’s later years.
As Paul was imprisoned a second time in Rome and expecting death, only Luke remained by his side. Paul writes to Timothy pleading with him to come to visit and to bring Mark along with him.
Mark is said to have written his gospel during the time of Nero’s persecution while he was with Peter. This would put Mark’s gospel around the year 65 or 66. While some hold that Luke wrote later and copied from Mark, I would hold that Luke wrote in 62 as Paul was facing his first Roman trial.
Similar vocabulary and accounting of the stories may come from common sources, but also through the work of the Holy Spirit. Differences can be accounted for by the differences in interest and vocabulary of the two authors.
