As a good historian, Luke carefully investigated the history of Jesus from the start to provide a reliable story.
an orderly account: Some versions translate this phrase as “in consecutive order.” But it means an organized or carefully written account, not a sequence of time.
The name Theophilus means “loved by God” or “one who loves God.” It is likely a personal name, not meant to describe a name.
Different theories suggest he might be:
an unbeliever who was influential in society,
a person newly converted to Christianity needing guidance,
the judge at the apostle Paul’s trial (the book of Acts ends with Paul in prison in Rome, waiting for his trial, or
the person who funded Luke’s writing project.
The fourth option is the most likely because it was common when writing literature to honor the person who funded it. The Greek word translated as most excellent indicates someone of important social status.