name of the recipient (Theophilus), and summarizes the contents of the earlier book (the Gospel of Luke). Theophilus means “friend of God” or “loved by God,” but it is unlikely, as some (e.g., Origen) have suggested, that this name is a symbol for an anonymous person or group of people. This particular name was in use at that time, and the description of Theophilus as “most excellent” (see Luke 1:3) suggests that a real person is meant. “Most excellent” could suggest that a high government official