Are you a "Theophilus"?

Most of us know that Luke was a doctor by profession.  Until I read my NIV study notes, I did not realize that he was also a Gentile.  My NIV Bible study notes state the following:  "Luke was probably a Gentile by birth, well educated in Greek culture, a physician by profession, a companion of Paul at various times... after others had deserted him."  Luke wanted to make sure that the Gentiles also understood that the Lord Jesus is the savior for ALL people, not just the Israelites.  This book "was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer the attacks of unbelievers" (study notes).

Luke specifically directed his writing to a man named Theophilus.  We don't know the exact relationship between Luke and Theophilus.  Theophilus was probably Luke's publisher, possibly a Roman official, and most likely a man in a high position with wealth. The purpose of Luke's writing was to make sure Theophilus was sure of the things he had been taught (Luke 1:4).  He wanted Theophilus (and anyone else who read this writing) to be sure of what he believed about the Lord Jesus.  I want to be sure, don't you?

The name "Theophilus" means "one who loves God".  How perfect that he was the named recipient for this writing!  Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke wrote this book to and for Christians.  Let's remember that this is a personal message for us as we start reading Luke.  (Don't read this to fast, there are some great nuggets in this single verse alone.)

"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 [insert your name here], 

so that you may know 

the certainty of the things you have been taught."

~ Luke 1:4 

I am very thankful for Luke and others who were diligent to investigate history, prove the details, and then were obedient to pen God's words carefully so we would have them today.  I love the insight we gain into God's work as He started to unfold the plan of Jesus birth.  He used a humble, honorable, close-knit family to reintroduce Himself to the earth. 

As detailed and orderly as Luke's writing is, he leaves plenty of room for us to start to grasp the feeling and emotions.  We first learn of an older couple (Zechariah and Elizabeth) who have never had children.  While Zechariah is "at work" one day, the Lord reveals to him through an Angel that he is going to have a son who will bring much "joy and delight".  We can imagine how Zechariah might have been speechless.  As it turns out, he was honest in his response and said a few wrong words.  For the next nine months he was not able to speak.  I had to laugh when I thought about this soon-to-be-father not being able to say a word for nine months while his wife must have been bubbling with excitement, relief, thanksgiving, and making plans for a new baby.  Zechariah and Elizabeth were Theophiluses.

"Both of them were upright in the sight of God, 

observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly."

~Luke 1:6

When the angel visited Mary, she was able to keep her mouth shut, at least initially.  I wonder how she remembered anything after the angel told her she was to have a son.  Her question for the angel is  honest and sincere:  "How can this be?"  The angel explained that the Holy Spirit would be upon her.  Can you imagine that moment!?!?!  Through the angel, God also gave Mary the news that her close relative, Elizabeth, was with child as well. What a blessing for Mary to be able to spend three months with another woman as they plan for their new babies together and celebrate God's blessings.  Mary was a Theophilus.

 

"Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you."

~Luke 1:19

John the Baptist was the son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth.  I love the story of John leaping for joy in Elizabeth's womb at the sound of Mary's voice.  Elizabeth was then filled with the Holy Spirit.  Talk about a wonderful and emotional moment!  When he was born, there was much joy with family and friends.  On the 8th day when John was to be circumcised and named, Zechariah was able to speak again after he and Elizabeth were obedient to name the baby as God had commanded.   John was "filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth." (Luke 1:16).  John was a Theophilus.

"For the Lord's hand was with him."

~Luke 1:66

We know that Mary and Zechariah both praised the Lord through song.  I suspect that Elizabeth and John did too although we don't see those recorded.  Mary and Zechariah's songs in Luke 1 both display incredible insight of their knowledge and belief of the Lord and His covenant, grace, mercy, salvation, power, compassion, and love. This is also Luke's message to Theophilus and all peoples... Our God is a loving but just God who offers salvation to us.  The natural spiritual response of understanding who God is is to praise Him.  Do you trust in Jesus as your savior?  Are you a humble servant?  Are you thankful for His Blessings?  Are you obedient to His commands?  Do you praise Him?  If so...

You are a Theophilus!