This time of year, many of us are re-visiting the account of Jesus’ birth as penned by Dr. Luke. In his letter, he addresses the receiver as, “most excellent Theophilus.” There is no other mention of this person in all of Scripture, though several theories have arisen over time.
Some believe Theophilus to be a wealthy man of high social standing or rank, since he is addressed as “most excellent.” (The Apostle Paul uses similar terminology when addressing Felix and Festus.) Some believe him to be a Jewish high priest, while yet others link his name to a second-century leader in the city of Antioch. Others question if he might be a younger man, new to his faith, whom Luke is mentoring much in the same way Priscilla and Aquila mentored Apollos. While any of these explanations might seem plausible, the truth is, we just don’t know. Scripture does not provide any other details.
Maybe his identity is not important. Perhaps God did not inspire Dr. Luke to write more about him as it might take away from the important message he’s been entrusted with.
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)
Re-reading this passage, what impacted me was that Dr. Luke felt deeply compelled to share an orderly account with this man, so that he might be “certain” of the things he’s been taught. No doubt, Dr. Luke invested a large amount of time to compose this historically accurate account. It wasn’t just a one-paragraph letter. His love for Theophilus was evident in that he was “sacrificially” invested in this young man, wanting him to truly understand the things of his faith. What a precious gift it would be to have a mentor who cared so deeply for us!
Perhaps you have been gifted with such a mentor in your life, someone who has invested in you to help you understand the things of God. But, could it also be a gift we are called to give to others?
This Christmas season, might you be still before God and ask him if there is a “most excellent Theophilus” for you to invest in, someone who is still new in their faith, or someone who is struggling to find truthful answers? Might you give an “orderly account” of the message you’ve been entrusted with? What a precious gift we have to offer!