1In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

4And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (ESV)

Our minds inevitably go to the prologue of Luke’s gospel when we read the opening of ‘Acts.’ We cannot help but see/hear a similarity:

1Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (ESV)

Dr. Luke wrote a two volume history of the beginnings of Christianity: his gospel dealing with the life and ministry of Jesus, and the ‘Acts’ outlining the life and ministry of the earliest church. What is striking is that, it would appear, that all his painstaking work was done for just one man ‘Theophilus.’ Although ‘Theophilus’ could be a code word for the church, it seems likeliest that he was one precious human being – perhaps a ‘seeker’ after truth, or a new disciple. But he was well worth Luke’s efforts. More than worth them.

In Luke 15, the good doctor records three parables of Jesus: the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. In fact these stories are about one lost sheep, one lost coin, and one lost son. And oh the joy when what is lost is found. It seems that this truth was deeply impressed upon Luke that one matters. Theophilus mattered, and he went to great lengths to help him.

Years ago I heard a preacher say, ‘You will never lock eyes with anyone who doesn’t matter to the Father.’

‘It is the individual touch that tells. He (Jesus) doesn’t love in the mass, but in one’s.’ Amy Carmichael