I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights Tertius, not just as a scribe, but as someone personally connected to the Roman church, possibly known to them. This sudden interjection of his voice reveals the warm, human element in Paul's ministry, showing how even the "behind-the-scenes" workers shared in the spiritual fellowship and extended their own greetings.
I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Paul concludes his monumental letter to the Romans, he brings in his scribe, Tertius, who personally dictated and wrote the letter, to add his own greeting. This brief interjection, alongside other greetings from Paul's companions, emphasizes the human and relational aspect of this deeply theological message, grounding it in the community of faith.
Ever wondered how Paul got his letters down on paper? It wasn't always a quick email send! Meet Tertius, the man behind the words.
Paul frequently used a scribe, an amanuensis, to write his letters. Tertius, whose name is Latin and might suggest he was Roman or at least familiar with Roman culture, was likely Paul's scribe in Corinth as he wrote Romans. This wasn't just a mechanical process of writing down words; it involved a deep connection to the message and the people being addressed.
Tertius adds his greeting 'in the Lord.' What does that really mean, and why is it so significant?
When Tertius says he greets them 'in the Lord,' it’s much more than a casual sign-off. It points to the source and nature of true Christian fellowship and well-wishing.
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The inclusion of Tertius, the scribe, shows the very human and personal aspect of ancient letter writing, highlighting the collaboration and community involved in spreading the Gospel.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
Paul Dictates Romans from Corinth
The Apostle Paul, likely in Corinth, dictated the letter of Romans to his scribe, Tertius. Tertius himself penned the words as Paul spoke them.
c. AD 49
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jewish people from Rome, which likely scattered the early Christian community there. This event may have impacted the composition and recipients of Romans.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent an extended period (around two years) ministering in Corinth, a major Roman city and a hub of trade and culture. This is the likely time and place he wrote Romans.
c. AD 54
Nero Becomes Roman Emperor
Nero succeeded Claudius as emperor. His reign saw periods of relative peace and tolerance for various religious groups, though later outbreaks of persecution occurred.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire swept through Rome. Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the blaze, leading to the first major imperial persecution of the church.
This verse shows Paul's practice of adding his own personal greeting in his own handwriting, much like Tertius does here, highlighting the personal touch in his letters.
Galatians 6:11Paul references the large letters he uses when writing himself, implying that he often used a scribe, which resonates with Tertius's role as the amanuensis for this letter.
Colossians 4:18Here, Paul explicitly states that the salutation is in his own hand, reinforcing the idea that personal greetings, whether dictated or handwritten, were significant for Paul's correspondence.
2 Thessalonians 3:17Paul mentions that he uses his own hand for greetings in every letter, a practice that makes Tertius's inclusion of his own greeting feel like a natural part of the epistolary process.
1 Corinthians 1:10This verse speaks about being in complete agreement and unity, which is echoed in the collective greetings and the unity of purpose implied by Tertius writing on behalf of Paul and adding his own greeting 'in the Lord'.
gillRomans 16:22: "I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord."
I Tertius, who wrote this epistle,.... This name is a Latin one, and perhaps the person might be a Roman, for the names Secundus, Tertius, Quartus, Quintus, &c. were common with the Romans; unless it may be thought, as it is by some, that this man was the same with Silas, who was a constant companion of the apostle; and the Hebrew word is the same as Tertius; he also is numbered among the seventy disciples, and said to b…
clarkeRomans 16:22: "I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord."
I Tertius, who wrote this epistle - Some eminent commentators suppose Tertius to be the same with Silas - the companion of St. Paul. If this were so, it is strange that the name which is generally given him elsewhere in Scripture should not be used in this place. I have already noticed (Preface) that some learned men have supposed that St. Paul wrote this epistle in Syriac, and that Tertius translated it into Greek; but…
The verse highlights Tertius, not just as a scribe, but as someone personally connected to the Roman church, possibly known to them. This sudden interjection of his voice reveals the warm, human element in Paul's ministry, showing how even the "behind-the-scenes" workers shared in the spiritual fellowship and extended their own greetings.
As Paul concludes his monumental letter to the Romans, he brings in his scribe, Tertius, who personally dictated and wrote the letter, to add his own greeting. This brief interjection, alongside other greetings from Paul's companions, emphasizes the human and relational aspect of this deeply theological message, grounding it in the community of faith.
As Paul concludes his monumental letter to the Romans, he brings in his scribe, Tertius, who personally dictated and wrote the letter, to add his own greeting. This brief interjection, alongside other greetings from Paul's companions, emphasizes the human and relational aspect of this deeply theological message, grounding it in the community of faith.
"I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord." — The verse highlights Tertius, not just as a scribe, but as someone personally connected to the Roman church, possibly known to them. This sudden interjection of his voice reveals the warm, human elem…
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Last reviewed October 2026