Romans 16:22

Romans 16:22, in plain English

Tertius, the person who actually wrote down Paul's letter by hand, is adding his own personal greeting to the Roman Christians.

Why it's here

In the ancient world, most people didn't write their own letters — they dictated to a scribe who held the pen. Tertius was that scribe for this massive letter to Rome, and he's so moved by what he's been writing that he stops and says, 'Hey, I want to greet you too.' It's a very human moment — the guy doing the physical work of writing the letter wants to be part of the community he's helping to connect.

Who's speaking

Tertius, Paul's scribe, is speaking directly.

Where it sits in the story

This little insertion shows you how real these ancient letters were. They weren't just theology floating in the air — they were written by actual people with names and hearts, and those people cared deeply about being in fellowship with the recipients. Tertius wanted the Romans to know he was part of this too.

The scholarly reading

Tertius, the scribe who physically wrote down Paul's letter, inserts his own personal greeting, asserting his presence and participation in this epistle.

Language and setting

This remarkable interjection—unique in Paul's extant letters—reveals the mechanics of ancient letter composition. Paul, likely dictating (as was common practice given his mention of writing 'with large letters' in Galatians 6:11), employed Tertius as his amanuensis. Tertius's self-assertion ('I, Tertius') breaks the expected transparency of a scribe's role; he refuses invisibility, claiming his own standing 'in the Lord' (ἐν κυρίῳ, en kyríō). This demonstrates the leveling effect of Christian community where even those in subordinate social positions claim spiritual equality and voice.

Voice

Tertius, the amanuensis or professional scribe

Significance

This detail demonstrates that Scripture's composition involved real human intermediaries and that the early church valued the participation of all believers, regardless of social status—a theme embedded in Paul's vision of radical Christian community that transcends social hierarchy.

20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.

22I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings.

Read all of Romans 16 — Paul names over two dozen co-workers — men and women, Jews and Gentiles — revealing a movement built on real relationships and shared sacrifice.