As Advent begins I was reading the opening of Luke 1 which is addressed to “Theophilus,” as is the opening of Acts.

It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1.3, 4, ESV, emphasis mine)

Since there’s no mention of this “Theophilus,” which in Greek means “lover of God” anywhere else, we really don’t know if this is someone’s nickname, his actual name, or a generic name that could apply to anyone.

The Passion Translation takes the position that “Theophilus” is not a person but could refer to anyone who loves God. Here’s the footnote:

The Greek text can be translated “most excellent Theophilus.” The name Theophilus means “friend of God” or “lover of God.” The Greek word [for excellent] means “most honorable” or “mightiest.” Some scholars believe there was no individual named Theophilus mentioned in Luke’s writings. This becomes instead a greeting to all the lovers of God.

Luke’s opening becomes:

I am writing for you, mighty lover of God, an orderly account of what Jesus, the Anointed One, accomplished and fulfilled among us. (from Luke 1.1 – 4, Passion Translation)

I like that. It reminds me of the angel’s greeting to Gideon:

The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor! (Judges 6.12, ESV)

God called Gideon a mighty man of valor before he was one, and he calls us “mighty lovers of God,” whether we feel that’s true of us or not.

…God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did. (Romans 4.17, NKV)