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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
Theophylact of Ohrid
He writes to Theophilus, a man probably of some distinction, and a governor; for the form, Most excellent, was not used except to rulers and governors. As for example, Paul says to Festus, Most excellent Festus. (Acts 26:25.)
Western Saints
Ambrose of Milan
Now, it is written that the Gospel is addressed to Theophilus, that is, to him whom God loves. If you love God, it is written to you; if it is written to you, accept the gift of the Evangelist: diligently keep the pledge of a friend in the innermost part of your soul. Guard the valuable deposit through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us: examine it frequently, discuss it often. Faith is owed to the pledge first: diligence follows faith; lest moths or rust destroy the entrusted pledges. …
Bede
And when he says it seemed good to him also to write, he means not as if it seemed to himself by himself, but signifying it also seemed to him by the urging of the Holy Spirit. Just as the apostles in their letter say: "For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us." Whose grace indeed is that what is good may also seem good to us. He then says he followed not a few things but all things carefully. …
Bonaventure
Third, as to the directive element, which was an ordered, sufficient and diligent process: and this he indicates when he adds: It seemed good to me also, namely, the Holy Spirit instigating; as Jerome says, "instigated by the Holy Spirit, he wrote this Gospel." Having followed closely, that is, having followed perfectly, because from the beginning to the end: whence he also adds: To write to you all things diligently in order, most excellent Theophilus: where simultaneously sufficiency, order and diligence are indicated: and these …
Translation