Theophilus
Meaning and Origin
Theophilus, derived from the Greek Θεόφιλος (Theophilos), translates to 'lover of God' or 'friend of God.' The name is composed of two root words: theos (God) and philos (love or friendship). Its etymology reflects a deep spiritual connection, suggesting devotion, affection, or a special relationship with the divine. Historically, names like Theophilus were common among early Christians as a way of expressing their faith and dedication to God. In ancient Greek culture, names with divine references carried significant weight, often symbolizing virtues or spiritual aspirations.
Name Theophilus in languages of the Bible
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Popularity Analysis
, "GLOBAL_PRESENCE_SECTION_START": "Today, the name Theophilus is found in 109 countries, with its highest popularity in Liberia, Rwanda, and Ghana. Its widespread usage reflects its enduring appeal as a meaningful Christian name. In regions with strong Christian traditions, Theophilus is often chosen to signify a person's connection to God and their faith. Beyond its biblical roots, the name has inspired cultural references, such as Théophile Gautier, a renowned writer, demonstrating its relevance in literature and intellectual circles. Its continued global presence highlights the universal resonance of its message: to be a lover of God and a friend of the divine.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Liberia | Theophilus | 99 |
| Rwanda | Theophile | 99 |
| Ghana | Theophilus | 115 |
| Peru | Teofilo | 120 |
| Chad | Theophile | 167 |
| Benin | Théophile | 215 |
| Central African Republic | Théophile | 256 |
| Sierra Leone | Theophilus | 320 |
| Congo | Théophile | 387 |
| Guadeloupe | Theophile | 434 |
| Burkina Faso | Theophile | 436 |
| Nicaragua | Teofilo | 475 |
| Honduras | Teofilo | 488 |
| Togo | Theophile | 490 |
| Cameroon | Theophile | 496 |
Showing top 15 of 109 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
, "SIGNIFICANCE_SECTION_START": "Theophilus holds a unique place in biblical history as the individual to whom Luke dedicated both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. This dedication underscores Theophilus's importance in the early Christian community. With a Divine Proximity Index of 70.3/100, the name is strongly associated with God, reflecting its spiritual depth. Furthermore, its Jesus Circle Score of 96.5/100 highlights Theophilus's close connection to the teachings and legacy of Jesus Christ. Tradition suggests that Theophilus may have been a Roman official, possibly of high rank, who converted to Christianity. His name, perhaps chosen upon his conversion, symbolizes his new identity as someone deeply loved by God and committed to understanding His truth.
Biblical Context
, "BIBLICAL_CONTEXT_SECTION_START": "Theophilus appears in two key scriptural references: Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1. Luke addresses him as 'most excellent Theophilus,' implying that he was a person of prominence, possibly a Roman official or dignitary. In Luke 1:3–4, the evangelist explains his purpose for writing: 'so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.' This suggests that Theophilus was already familiar with Christian teachings and needed confirmation of their authenticity. Similarly, Acts 1:1 marks the continuation of Luke's orderly account, reinforcing the idea that Theophilus served as the intended audience for these foundational Christian texts. His presence in scripture signifies the importance of educating early believers and ensuring the accuracy of the Gospel's message.
Divine Proximity Metrics
Jesus Proximity
SNA: 2.3 | Percentile: 96.54
Biblical References
- Acts 1:1
- Luke 1:3