Theophilus

This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Theóphilos (θεόφιλος),” composed of two elements: “theós ‎(θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God) plus “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly). In turn, the name means “friend of God.” 1) Theophilus is the name or honorary title of the person to whom the gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are addressed (Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1). It is unanimously agreed that both Luke and Acts were initially written in a refined Koine Greek, and that “Theóphilos (θεόφιλος),” as it appears therein, means friend of God or (be)loved by God or loving God. 2) Theophilos (813–842 AD) was the Byzantine Emperor from 829 until he died in 842. He was the second emperor of the Amorian dynasty and the last emperor to support iconoclasm.