Theophilus: The Implied Publisher of the Canonical Edition
Channel: David Trobisch
Date: 2024-03-16

Historical publishers of edited collections often utilized the concept of a fictitious implied publisher to convey their views, meticulously selecting and editing documents to promote a unified message. The New Testament, particularly the end of the Gospel according to John, reveals a moment where an implied publisher distinctively addresses the audience, hinting at a separation between his voice and the voice of the gospel authors. This leads to the identification of Theophilus, introduced in Luke’s Gospel and Acts, as the likely overarching publisher. Theophilus's unique role and Luke’s dedication position him as the voice behind the Canonical Edition, suggesting his significant influence in compiling the New Testament. This acknowledgment of Theophilus as the implied publisher not only highlights the cohesive assembly of these texts under his guardianship but also enhances our appreciation of the New Testament's literary beauty, encouraging a reevaluation of its composition as a meticulously crafted collection.