Theophilus

Theophilus , person to whom St. Luke's Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles are addressed.

Theophilus (d. 412), Patr. of Alexandria from 385. In the early years of his patriarchate he took an active part in suppressing the remnants of paganism in the city. Originally a supporter of Origenism, he became an opponent of the Origenist monks. When the Tall Brothers were sheltered at Constantinople by St John Chrysostom, Theophilus used this opportunity to secure Chrysostom's deposition at the Synod of the Oak in 403. The Copts and Syrians celebrate his feast on 15 and 17 Oct. respectively.

Theophilus Greek for ‘lover of God’; the person to whom the third gospel (Luke 1: 3) and the Acts (1: 1) are dedicated; someone of distinction who might have been the author's patron, who helped him with the publication of the two volumes, and very probably he was already a Christian. Luke writes to strengthen his faith, and through him all future readers. However, some scholars have thought the name was merely a pseudonym.