What can we learn from Tertius about serving God in supportive roles? Setting the Scene: Romans 16:22 “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.” Who Was Tertius? • A believer in Corinth, functioning as Paul’s amanuensis—the trained scribe who physically penned the Epistle to the Romans as Paul dictated (cf. Romans 15:25; Acts 20:2–3). • Though almost unknown, his single, Spirit-inspired verse is forever preserved in Scripture—evidence that every role, however quiet, is part of God’s inerrant plan. Why a Scribe Matters • Accurate transmission of God’s revelation required meticulous care (Deuteronomy 17:18-19). • The Spirit’s inspiration (2 Peter 1:21) worked through Paul’s dictation and Tertius’s precise writing, underscoring the literal reliability of the finished text. • His service enabled believers across centuries to read Romans, one of the clearest expositions of the gospel. Five Lessons for Today’s Supportive Servants 1. God Sees the Hidden Worker – “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) – Hebrews 6:10 assures us He never overlooks quiet labor done in His name. 2. Offer Your Particular Skill – Tertius’s literacy and training became his ministry. – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” (1 Peter 4:10) 3. Handle God’s Word with Care – As he copied Paul’s dictation, accuracy was paramount (2 Timothy 2:15). – Our teaching, printing, tech support, and editing today demand equal reverence. 4. Affirm Fellowship, Not Fame – Tertius slips in a warm greeting, spotlighting community rather than self (Philippians 2:3-4). – 3 John 8 commends those who “work together for the truth,” even when unnoticed. 5. Finish Well, However Brief the Mention – One verse, eternal impact. Faithfulness outweighs platform size (Luke 19:17; 2 Timothy 4:7). Encouragement for Modern “Tertiuses” • Church secretaries, sound-booth volunteers, maintenance crews, intercessors—your diligence advances the gospel. • The Spirit still weaves support roles into His grand narrative (Ephesians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 12:22-25). • Serve with confidence: the God who named Tertius in Scripture remembers you by name as well. |