I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter
Tertius is identified as the scribe or amanuensis for the Apostle Paul in the writing of the Epistle to the Romans. In the ancient world, it was common for authors to dictate their letters to a scribe, who would write them down. This practice ensured accuracy and clarity in communication. Tertius's mention here highlights the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry and the trust Paul placed in his co-workers. The use of a scribe also reflects the literacy levels and the practicalities of letter writing in the first century. Tertius's role underscores the authenticity and historical reliability of the epistle, as it was common for scribes to be well-versed in the content they transcribed.

greet you in the Lord
The phrase "in the Lord" signifies the spiritual bond shared among believers. It reflects the unity and fellowship that Christians have through their relationship with Jesus Christ. This greeting is not merely a social courtesy but a recognition of the shared faith and mission among the early church members. The use of "in the Lord" also emphasizes the centrality of Christ in all interactions and relationships within the Christian community. This greeting connects to other Pauline writings where similar phrases are used to express spiritual kinship and mutual encouragement (e.g., Philippians 4:21, Colossians 4:7). It serves as a reminder of the spiritual family that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, uniting believers in their common faith and purpose.

1. Tertius
The scribe or amanuensis who transcribed the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans. His brief greeting in this verse highlights his role in the early Christian community and the process of letter writing in the ancient world.

2. Paul
The Apostle who authored the letter to the Romans. Although not mentioned directly in this verse, his influence and authority are implicit as Tertius writes on his behalf.

3. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter. This early Christian community in Rome was diverse and included both Jewish and Gentile believers.

4. The Letter to the Romans
A foundational epistle in the New Testament, addressing key theological themes such as salvation, grace, and the righteousness of God.

5. The Early Christian Community
The broader context in which this letter was written, characterized by a growing network of believers spread across the Roman Empire.The Role of Community in Ministry
Tertius' mention reminds us that ministry is a collaborative effort. Even the Apostle Paul relied on others to fulfill his mission. We should value and recognize the contributions of all members in our church community.

The Importance of Greetings and Personal Connections
The inclusion of personal greetings in Paul's letters highlights the importance of maintaining personal connections within the body of Christ. We should strive to build and maintain relationships within our church and community.

The Integrity of Scripture
The use of scribes like Tertius underscores the care taken in the transmission of Scripture. We can trust the reliability of the biblical text, knowing it was carefully preserved and communicated.

Humility in Service
Tertius' humble role as a scribe teaches us about serving faithfully in whatever capacity God calls us. Not all roles are prominent, but all are essential to the functioning of the body of Christ.1. What is the meaning of Romans 16:22?

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

3. What can we learn from Tertius about serving God in supportive roles?

4. How does Romans 16:22 connect with other scriptures on Christian collaboration?

5. In what ways can we emulate Tertius' humility in our church community?

6. How does acknowledging contributors like Tertius enhance our understanding of biblical authorship?

7. Why does Tertius mention writing the letter in Romans 16:22?

8. How does Romans 16:22 affect the understanding of biblical authorship?

9. What role did scribes like Tertius play in early Christian communities?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 16?

11. Who was Tertius in the Bible?

12. Who was Tertius in the Bible?

13. Who is the author of the Book of Romans?

14. 2 Thessalonians 3:17 – If Paul’s signature is meant to verify authenticity, why do some scholars still debate whether this letter was genuinely written by Paul?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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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.

(22) Tertius.--The Apostle's amanuensis. It was the custom of St. Paul to add a few words of parting benedictory encouragement or admonition in his own handwriting, partly as a mark of his own personal interest in his readers, and partly as a precaution against forgery. (See especially Galatians 6:11, and 2Thessalonians 3:17.) We have observed in the course of this Commentary how frequently the involved and broken style is to be accounted for by this habit of dictation, and, as it would seem, not very punctilious revision. We have the thoughts and words of the Apostle as they came warm from his own mind.

Parallel Commentaries ...

I,
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Tertius,
Τέρτιος (Tertios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5060: Tertius, who wrote the Epistle to the Romans at Paul's dictation. Of Latin origin; third; Tertius, a Christian.

who
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wrote down
γράψας (grapsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

this
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

letter,
ἐπιστολὴν (epistolēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1992: A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message.

greet
Ἀσπάζομαι (Aspazomai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 782: To greet, salute, pay my respects to, welcome. To enfold in the arms, i.e. to salute, to welcome.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Lord.
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.


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NT Letters: Romans 16:22 I Tertius who write the letter greet (Rom. Ro)