How does acknowledging contributors like Tertius enhance our understanding of biblical authorship? A brief look at Romans 16:22 “ I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.” Who is Tertius? • An amanuensis—Paul’s secretary, physically writing what Paul dictated. • A brother in Christ, confident enough in his relationship with the apostle to slip in a warm, Spirit-led greeting. • A living reminder that God often works through teams, even when one name (Paul) stands out on the scroll. Why Tertius’ greeting matters for biblical authorship • It confirms the letter’s historical rootedness: real people, real ink, real parchment. • It underlines transparency. Paul is not hiding the process; the Spirit-guided method is laid open. • It highlights collaboration without diluting inspiration. God breathed out the words (2 Timothy 3:16); Paul supplied the apostolic authority; Tertius supplied the pen. • It safeguards apostolic authorship: the letter is still Paul’s, even though another hand shaped the letters. • It models humble ministry: every servant—from famed apostle to little-known scribe—shares in the gospel’s advance (1 Corinthians 3:5-9). Other scriptural echoes of faithful scribes • 1 Peter 5:12 – “Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly…” • Jeremiah 36:4 – “Then Jeremiah called Baruch… and Baruch wrote on a scroll at Jeremiah’s dictation all the words of the LORD.” • Colossians 4:18 – “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand…” (implying the main body came through a secretary). These parallels show a consistent, Spirit-guided pattern: divine message, apostolic voice, trusted scribe. Implications for how we read Scripture today • Confidence in accuracy: the same Spirit who inspired Paul safeguarded every stroke Tertius made. • Appreciation for God’s use of ordinary believers in extraordinary tasks. • Recognition that the Bible’s human elements (ink, papyrus, secretaries) amplify—not weaken—its divine authority. • Encouragement to honor unseen laborers in the church, knowing their quiet service anchors visible ministry (Romans 12:4-8). Key takeaways • Tertius’ brief cameo authenticates Romans as both divine revelation and historical document. • Acknowledging contributors like him enriches our trust in Scripture’s provenance. • God’s Word arrives through collaborative faithfulness, inviting every believer to embrace his or her part in the story. |
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