Theophilus, whose name means “Friend of God,” is the recipient of the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles, with Luke’s intent being to provide an orderly account to assure Theophilus of the teachings he has received, though his exact identity remains speculative.
Paul’s second missionary journey, accompanied by Silas, Timothy, and later Luke, significantly expanded the reach of Christianity into Europe as they traveled from Antioch through key locations such as Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus, preaching the Gospel, performing miracles, and establishing strong Christian communities despite facing considerable opposition, thereby demonstrating the transformative power and inclusivity of the Gospel.
The Book of Acts is vital for understanding the development of the early Christian church and its teachings, serving as both a historical document and a theological treatise.
Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of Paul, authored the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, providing a meticulous and compassionate account of Jesus’ life and the early Church, emphasizing the universality of the gospel, the role of the Holy Spirit, and concern for the marginalized.