What is the meaning of Romans 16:22? I, Tertius • In the closing roll call of Romans 16, the scribe suddenly steps out from behind the curtain: “I, Tertius…” This single line puts a face on the one who patiently took dictation from Paul, much as Baruch did for Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36:4). • Paul’s use of an amanuensis is confirmed elsewhere—“This greeting is in my own hand—Paul” (1 Corinthians 16:21; see also 2 Thessalonians 3:17). Tertius faithfully preserved every inspired word, reminding us that while God breathes out Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), He often does so through humble servants in the background. • His personal mention highlights the value God places on every member of the body, echoing Paul’s teaching that “the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (1 Corinthians 12:22). who wrote down this letter • The phrase underscores the cooperative nature of revelation: Paul speaks, Tertius writes, the Spirit supervises. As Peter likewise explains, “Through Silvanus… I have written to you briefly” (1 Peter 5:12). • Trustworthiness is emphasized. Because the Spirit superintended both Paul’s dictation and Tertius’s pen, the finished scroll carried divine authority (Galatians 1:11-12). • Practical take-aways: – God uses varied gifts—some proclaim, some record, all serve. – Faithful behind-the-scenes work matters eternally (Colossians 3:23-24). greet you • A simple greeting sounds ordinary, yet Scripture treats it as ministry. Paul tells believers, “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16) and repeats the practice in every epistle (e.g., 1 Corinthians 16:19-20; Philippians 4:21). • Warm greetings knit the church together: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:10). • By letting the scribe send his own greeting, Paul models shared ownership of gospel work; fellowship is never reserved for “platform people” only. in the Lord • The fellowship Tertius extends is rooted “in the Lord.” Our unity is not social but spiritual—“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). • The phrase anchors every relationship in Christ’s authority and love. As Paul urges, “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). • It also hints at security: greetings in the Lord are greetings inside a safe covenant family (Ephesians 2:19). summary Romans 16:22 pulls back the curtain on a quiet servant. Tertius, empowered by the Spirit, writes Paul’s words, then steps forward to say hello—underscoring that: • God values hidden, faithful service. • Every believer can extend Christ’s love through simple greetings. • Our shared life, labor, and love are all “in the Lord,” the bond that holds the church together and guarantees the integrity of His Word. |
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