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St. Paul could have used a pseudonym here in order to protect the identity of this individual. This is an issue I sense that can not be resolved. We simply do not know.

St. Luke could have used a pseudonym here in order to protect the identity of this individual. This is an issue I sense that can not be resolved. We simply do not know.

Historically we are divided as to whether Theophilus was the real name of this individual or whether St. Paul employed the use of a pseudonym here.

It is not impossible that St. Paul was also trying to protect this Theophilus from persecution. Bravo to St. Paul for adding some mystery to Biblical personages!

Historically we are divided as to whether Theophilus was the real name of this individual or whether St. Luke employed the use of a pseudonym here.

It is not impossible that St. Luke was also trying to protect this Theophilus from persecution. Bravo to St. Luke for adding some mystery to Biblical personages!

Just a very small note to add here. As many know Catholicism venerates many saints, the of this individual Theophilus is not mentioned in the Roman Martyrology, leaning towards the idea that Catholicism treats this as a pseudonym.

It is not impossible that St. Paul was also trying to protect this Theophilus from persecution. Bravo to St. Paul for adding some mystery to Biblical personages!