A Love Letter

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach

Acts 1:1

I have always wondered who Theophilus is.  How cool is it that Luke wrote Theophilus a two volume "letter?"  The name Theophilus means friend or lover of God.  Have you ever received a love letter?  I remember receiving letters from Daria when we were in college.  I opened the letter immediately and studied every word.  I would read and reread her letters multiple times.  I wonder how many times Theophilus read the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts?

Some scholars believe Theophilus was an individual person - a friend of Luke.  Others believe that Theophilus is a name inclusive of every person who is a friend or lover of God.  This makes me wonder - how would my reading of the book of Acts change if I genuinely believe it was written to me by a friend?  I confess sometimes I read the Bible with the same kind of enthusiasm as reading a love letter.  Other times I read it somewhat disinterested.  As we prepare for 2021 how do you plan on reading the Word? 

We will read and study Acts for several months.  We will learn about all that Jesus began to do and teach and all that Jesus continued to do and teach through the Holy Spirit and the apostles.  This history is HIS STORY and if you know Christ it is also YOUR STORY. 

Reading and waiting with expectation,

Steven