Theophilus: A Model of Friendship with God
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 6 2025 | Acts 1:1-3
KEY VERSE:
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach…" Acts 1:1 (NIV)
MESSAGE: The book of Acts begins with Luke addressing Theophilus. Most scholars believe he was a wealthy person interested in the story of Jesus Christ and may have even paid to have Luke and Acts written and circulated. He had a heart for God but needed to know that the story of Jesus Christ was true and that the Christian movement wasn't subversive. Theophilus means “lover of God” or, even more accurately, "friend of God"! The meaning of his name alerts us that Acts was written not only for him but also for any of us who want to be a friend of God.
A friend of God seeks His truth. Luke writes to Theophilus to share "all that Jesus began to do and teach" (v. 1), reflecting Theophilus' desire to understand Jesus’ life and ministry. This highlights the importance of seeking God’s truth through His Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Like Theophilus, friends of God hunger for knowledge of Him, deepening their relationship and faith through Scripture and reflection. A friend of God is guided by the Spirit of Truth. Sensitivity to the Spirit through prayer and meditation enables us to recognise and follow His lead in our daily lives.
A friend of God lives out Jesus Christ’s mission. As a recipient of the gospel, Theophilus inspires us to move beyond receiving and actively participate in Christ’s mission. True friendship with God involves knowing Him, sharing His love and truth, and living out His purpose in our communities and relationships.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
God invites you to be His friend today. Like Theophilus, seek to grow in your understanding of God’s word, allow the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, decisions, and actions, and live out your friendship with God by participating in His mission.
PRAYER:
Dear Father, thank You for inviting me to be Your friend and for the example of Theophilus. Help me to seek Your truth with sincerity, to be guided by Your Holy Spirit, and to live out Your mission faithfully. Teach me to grow in my relationship with You and to reflect Your love to those around me. May my life glorify You as I walk closely with You every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 6: Genesis 10 — The Table of Nations
DAILY word study: THEOPHILUS Theophilus is a compound Greek name: Theos (God) and Philos (love or friendship). The name signifies "one who loves God" or "friend of God." It reflects both a personal relationship with God and a dedication to divine truth.
Theophilus, addressed in both Luke and Acts, may have been a person of influence, as suggested by the title “most excellent” in Luke 1:3. This reflects how the gospel transcends cultural and social boundaries, reaching even the powerful. His name, meaning “friend of God,” symbolises those who love and seek God’s truth. Luke’s thorough documentation of Jesus’ life and ministry highlights the importance of a credible witness, showing that faith is rooted in verifiable truth. Theophilus serves as a model of discipleship: loving God, seeking His knowledge, sharing His truth, and living a life reflective of His teachings.
Reflection: How can you, like Theophilus, use your position or influence to support the spread of the gospel? What steps are you taking to deepen your understanding of God’s Word and share it authentically with others?
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