Lessons from Tertius on supportive service?
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.

How does Tertius' role in Romans 16:22 highlight the importance of teamwork?
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