Who is Theophilus mentioned in Luke and Acts?

from the old testament

• The references to Theophilus are not found in the New Testament.

from the new testament

• Luke dedicates the Gospel that bears his name to Theophilus: “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 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 1:1-4). Speculation about Theophilus’ identity ranges from very broad to specific. Some say that it could refer to all Christians since the name means “loved by God” or could be a Roman official because of the “most excellent” description. Others believe it could refer to specific men of that day with the same name.
  
• Acts 1 begins with another reference to Theophilus: “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1).
• In 1 Corinthians 4:6, Paul advises believers in Corinth “not to go beyond what is written.” Believers should never fill in the blanks of what Scripture is silent on. It’s foolish to be dogmatic about issues that the Bible isn’t clear on, such as the identity of Theophilus. Sometimes, such separations occur because we’re convinced of our knowledge. In that same Corinthian passage, Paul gives the reason for not going “beyond what is written”: “that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.” Later, in that same letter, he would write that “‘knowledge’ puffs up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Christ is not glorified when believers divide over minor or secondary issues.
• Though it doesn’t hurt to speculate on who Theophilus was, it is ultimately a minor issue, not one to cause division among believers (2 Timothy 2:23).

implications for today

Have you ever been driving a familiar route and been so caught up in your thoughts that when you get to your destination, you don’t remember the drive? That’s a metaphor for life. It can also be a metaphor for our Bible reading if we get caught up in thoughts about secondary issues and miss what’s most important.

Who was Theophilus? We don’t know. Some have theorized, but they don’t really know either. And it’s a minor question. What’s most important is the “orderly account” Luke gives Theophilus of Christ’s ministry, death, and resurrection (in the Gospel of Luke) and the formation of the early church (in Acts).

Don’t "drive" through your Bible reading ruminating about minor issues. Instead, focus on Christ and how He is revealed through God’s Word. Focus on living a faithful life to Him, being about the right things in the right way, and pointing people to Jesus.