Why does Tertius mention writing the letter in Romans 16:22? Literary Context of Romans 16:22 Romans 16:22 : “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.” Paul has been dictating (cf. 16:17–20 “Now I urge you, brothers…”) and, near the close, the professional scribe (amanuensis) briefly inserts his own greeting before Paul resumes in 16:23-27. The switch of first-person singular (“I, Tertius”) signals the change of speaker while maintaining Pauline authorship. The Ancient Practice of the Amanuensis Greco-Roman correspondence commonly employed literary secretaries. Cicero’s references to Tiro (Ep. ad Att. 4.5) parallel Paul’s use of Tertius. Archaeological finds—e.g., the Vindolanda tablets (1st–2nd cent. AD) and Oxyrhynchus papyri—show dictation formulas where a scribe identifies himself mid-text. Scripture offers precedents: • Jeremiah dictated and Baruch wrote (Jeremiah 36:17-18). • Peter used Silvanus (1 Peter 5:12). Thus Tertius’s mention conforms to well-attested literary convention rather than signaling co-authorship. Affirmation of Pauline Authorship All extant manuscripts—P⁴⁶ (c. AD 175-225), 𝔓⁹⁴, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus—present Romans with undisputed Pauline superscription (Romans 1:1). Early patristic citations (1 Clem 47:1, Ign. ad Romans 3) treat Romans as Paul’s. Tertius’s line therefore underlines transparency, not alternate origin, reinforcing the epistle’s consistent attribution. Pastoral Warmth and Communal Connection Greco-Roman letters closed with greetings to reinforce relational bonds. Paul has just sent personal salutations to more than twenty believers (16:1-16). Allowing his secretary a greeting models inclusive Christian fellowship (“For we are members one of another,” Ephesians 4:25). It humanizes the text for its first audience in Rome and for all subsequent congregations who read the letter aloud (cf. Colossians 4:16). Integrity and Verification of the Letter Naming the scribe functioned like a notarizing signature. Tertius’s self-identification: 1. Vouches for an accurate rendering of Paul’s dictated theology (cf. Titus 3:8 “stress these things”). 2. Assists later manuscript copyists in preserving lines of transmission; any later interpolations lacking the Tertius greeting would be suspect. The near-textual unanimity at 16:22 across 5,800+ Greek New Testament manuscripts underscores fidelity of transmission. Theological Implications of Inspiration and Human Agency “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). Divine inspiration employs human agents—here Paul speaking, Tertius writing—without compromising inerrancy (2 Peter 1:21). The Spirit’s superintendence over the process echoes God’s use of Luke (Luke 1:3-4) and Moses’s scribes (Exodus 17:14). Tertius’s glimpse shows that inspiration does not obliterate personality; rather, it harmonizes multiple servants for one unified message. Practical Ministry Takeaways 1. Transparency in ministry administration glorifies God—identify those who assist you. 2. Collaboration is biblical; gospel work involves writers, couriers (Phoebe, 16:1-2), hosts (Gaius, 16:23), and intercessors. 3. The Spirit values individual believers’ names; every laborer matters (cf. 3 John 14). Conclusion Tertius’s brief appearance: – conforms to ancient literary custom, – authenticates Pauline authorship, – demonstrates Spirit-guided teamwork, – strengthens textual confidence, – illustrates the family bond within Christ’s body. Thus Romans 16:22 is a Spirit-placed signature of faithfulness, reminding every reader that God accomplishes His immutable Word through willing servants, great and small alike. |
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