Author: Dave Dishman (Page 50 of 390)

Luke addressed both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts to an unknown gentleman named Theophilus:

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Who was this most excellent Theophilus? One theory holds him as a Jewish priest, who Luke was trying to convince of the truth about Jesus. Another postulates Theophilus as a Roman lawyer working with Paul, and the writings serve as evidence of Paul’s innocence under Roman law. Others see this as simply as honorary title, not referring to an individual, but a group of people. Theophilus in Greek means friend of God, so perhaps Luke addressed like-minded believers in his introduction.

But another theory makes the most sense to me. Theophilus was likely a Roman official of some kind (thus the address of most excellent) who came to faith in Jesus and supported the work of Luke and Paul. This patron helped Paul and Luke and other missionaries fulfill their calling to carry the gospel as far as possible. So Luke sends an update of the incredible works of God to a generous donor.

Christianity is a missionary religion, and we’re called to support the outreach efforts of our day. Whether we possess a little or a lot, we give to spread the good news of Jesus, and in doing so gain the title most excellent.

Luke 1 & Acts 1 in Through the Bible in 2023

Photo by Christine Roy

A couple of days ago I went outside my office to experience the solar eclipse. Only a partial eclipse here in Colorado, but the low light was cool, along with the crescent-shaped shadows under the trees. People from the neighboring bank and physical therapy office milled around, and one lady brought a pair of solar glasses. We all took turns viewing the sun and moon greeting in the sky.

A well-meaning viewer warned me not to stare at the sun. Which is a good tip, until you actually try to look at the sun. A bit of a second and you turn away—it’s just too bright. Unless you’re high on peyote you don’t want to linger.

I thought of the eclipse while reading the story of Samson’s parents. A childless couple, an angel visited and announced the coming birth of their son. Overjoyed, Samson’s father (Manoah) asked of the angel, What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes true?

It’s odd to think that men hanging on crosses could have a conversation. Crucifixion was a brutal, horrific process that took anywhere from several hours to several days to bring about death. Borrowing the practice from earlier civilizations, the Romans rarely applied crucifixion to their own citizens, reserving it for slaves, disgraced soldiers, foreigners and Christians.

In the midst of their suffering, the criminals on either side of Jesus spoke up. One hurled insults, but the other rebuked him. Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.

The repentant thief then gasped, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. To which Jesus answered, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.

Months earlier, after a meal in the house of Zacchaeus the tax collector, Jesus shared one of the reasons he came to this earth: for the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

With his last few breaths, Jesus saved a lost thief. One more stranded soul guided into paradise. Jesus still seeks and saves anyone who turns to him with humility, who regardless of background seeks the Savior.

He’s working all the way to the end.

Luke 23 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Dylan McLeod

Jesus’ last recorded miracle before the resurrection involved re-attaching the ear of one of his attackers. It happened right after that devious kiss from Judas:

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

We learn from the Gospel of John that the servant’s name was Malchus, and the man swinging the sword was Peter (the most impetuous disciple). Jesus, however, rebuked the violence and healed the ear.

I wonder how many people noticed? The disciples certainly did, as well as Malchus. Still, the authorities arrested Jesus despite his many miracles. But what did Malchus think as they led Jesus away?

Jesus healed a man who came to do him violence. No faith or even goodwill existed in the heart of Malchus. Jesus demonstrated love toward his attacker and provided yet another transformative example for his disciples. Jesus didn’t need defending by sword-slashing fishermen (he could have called down legions of angels), but Jesus did need to go to the cross. And so he did.

Jesus went to the cross for his followers, Jesus went to the cross for Malchus, and Jesus went to the cross for you and me. Nothing could stop him.

But I still wonder about that man following the crowd, gingerly touching his intact ear caked with blood? Some think he later became a follower of Jesus, since he’s mentioned by name in the New Testament. Unfortunately, we just don’t know.

I hoped he lived a long life, telling the story of that night to his children and grandchildren, and letting them tug on that ear healed by the miracle-worker from Nazareth.

Luke 22 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Damon Hall