Who Is Theophilus?

Who Is Theophilus?

From The Humble Skeptic by Truth Isn't Afraid of Questions

September 5, 2025 · 37 min

About this episode

The episode explores the identity of Theophilus and his connection to the Gospel of Luke with insights from Dr. Peter G. Bolt.

In his famous prologue, Luke indicates that his Gospel is addressed to a “most excellent Theophilus.” As others had done, Luke decided to write an orderly account about the things Jesus had accomplished “among us.” So, was Luke suggesting that both he and Theophilus had witnessed some of these events? And since Theophilus was described with such an honorific title, is it possible to see him as the Jerusalem high priest mentioned by Josephus? Joining Shane to discuss these questions and more is Dr. Peter G. Bolt, author of Luke: A Commentary , published by The Gospel Coalition. For detailed notes related to this episode, click here . SPECIAL OFFER — For a gift of any size, we’ll send you a pre-release PDF download of Shane’s book, Luke’s Key Witness , along with a 35-page PDF resource titled Josephus & His World . If you’re already a paid subscriber, you can access both resources here . To donate or subscribe, click here . SHOW NOTES Books Luke: A Commentary , Peter G. Bolt — FREE Gospel Women , Richard Bauckham Living Footnotes in the Gospel of Luke , Luuk van de Weghe The Historical Tell , Luuk van de Weghe Redating the New Testament , John A.T. Robinson Redating Matthew, Mark &…

People in this episode

Host: Shane

Guest: Dr. Peter G. Bolt

Topics covered

  • Theophilus
  • Gospel of Luke
  • historical context
  • New Testament
  • biblical scholarship

Keywords

  • Theophilus
  • Luke
  • Gospel
  • historical context
  • biblical commentary
  • Peter G. Bolt
  • Josephus
  • New Testament

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Luke: A Commentary, Luke’s Key Witness

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