Tertius (Strong’s Greek 5060) is a masculine Roman cognomen meaning “third.” In the social milieu of the first-century Roman Empire, such ordinal names were widespread among slaves, freedmen, and lower-ranking citizens. They often reflected birth order within a family or the order in which household servants were acquired. The simple, utilitarian nature of the name harmonizes with the humble but essential task Tertius performs in Scripture.

Sole New Testament Reference

Romans 16:22: “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord”.

His appearance is brief yet highly significant, for he identifies himself as the amanuensis—the professional scribe—who penned the Epistle to the Romans under the apostolic authority of Paul.

Role as Amanuensis

1. Practical Function. Literacy was uneven in the ancient Mediterranean world. Even those who could read often employed trained scribes to ensure neatness, accuracy, and stylistic polish. Tertius, therefore, likely possessed expert skills in both shorthand (tachygraphy) and formal book-hand (Biblical uncial), enabling him to transcribe Paul’s dictated theology faithfully.
2. Legal Validation. In Roman practice a secretary sometimes added a closing greeting in his own hand as a mark of authentication. Tertius’ brief greeting parallels Paul’s own autograph lines in Galatians 6:11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:17, underscoring that the epistle is genuine and unaltered.
3. Spiritual Partnership. Although unnamed elsewhere, Tertius’ inclusion among the final greetings places him within the missionary circle gathered in Corinth (cf. Romans 16:23; Acts 20:2-4). His labor illustrates how spiritual gifts related to administration and communication (1 Corinthians 12:28) further the gospel alongside more visible preaching ministries.

Historical and Literary Significance of the Epistle to the Romans

The letter Tertius penned is widely regarded as the fullest apostolic exposition of the gospel—addressing righteousness, justification, sanctification, Israel’s future, and Christian ethics. That such a foundational document came through the hands of a scribe highlights God’s use of ordinary servants to transmit extraordinary revelation. Early church fathers—including Origen and Chrysostom—recognized this, often noting with gratitude the careful copyists who preserved Scripture.

Early Christian Letter Writing

Paul’s letters regularly exhibit the pattern of dictation and final autograph:
• 1 Corinthians 16:21—Paul personally signs what Sosthenes likely wrote (1 Corinthians 1:1).
• Galatians 6:11—Large letters emphasize authenticity.
• Colossians 4:18 and Philemon 19 mirror the same custom.

Tertius thus stands in a larger tradition of unnamed or scarcely named colleagues (e.g., Sosthenes, Silvanus) whose collaborative work shaped the New Testament corpus. Their presence testifies that inspiration extends to the entire communicative process—from divine revelation to dictation, transcription, and circulation—without diminishing apostolic authority (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Church Tradition and Speculation

Later traditions, though not canonical, suggest Tertius may have been among the Seventy-Two disciples (Luke 10:1). Some lists pair him with Quartus (Romans 16:23) as brothers in ministry. While unverifiable, such associations reflect the early church’s instinct to honor even obscure contributors to Scripture’s formation.

The Blessing of Personal Greetings

Paul’s extended roster in Romans 16 underscores the relational fabric of early Christian mission. By appending his own greeting, Tertius personalizes the letter, reminding recipients that behind the weighty theology lies genuine fellowship “in the Lord.” His brief words embody Philippians 1:7—partners in grace who hold one another “in the heart.”

Theology of Collaboration

Romans demonstrates how doctrinal depth blossoms in communal settings. Paul, Gaius (host), Erastus (city treasurer), Tertius (scribe), and others together incarnate 1 Corinthians 3:5-9: “Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow.” The Spirit unites diverse gifts—hospitality, civil stewardship, writing skill—to advance a single gospel.

Practical Ministry Lessons

1. Hidden Service Is Honored. Though Tertius steps into the spotlight for one verse, his contribution echoes across millennia. Modern believers engaged in note-taking, translation, editing, or digital archiving share in that legacy.
2. Excellence in Skill Serves Theology. Accurate transmission safeguards doctrinal purity (Jude 3). Meticulous craftsmanship—whether copying scrolls or formatting sermons—upholds the integrity of truth.
3. Personal Warmth Complements Orthodoxy. Detailed theological argument (Romans 1–11) culminates in affectionate greetings (Romans 16). Ministry that weds conviction to community reflects the character of Christ.

Related Biblical Parallels

• Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe (Jeremiah 36:4) foreshadows Tertius’ role, showing continuity between Old and New Covenant practices.
• Ezra the priest-scribe (Ezra 7:6) models how scholarly abilities uphold covenant fidelity.
• Luke, physician and historian, further exemplifies vocational skills enlisted for gospel purposes (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-2).

Modern Application

Churches and mission agencies today rely on multilingual translators, sound technicians, administrative assistants, and legal advisers. Tertius encourages each to see ordinary competence as sacred vocation (Colossians 3:23-24). Whether composing an email newsletter or maintaining a database, believers can “greet…in the Lord,” infusing routine work with eternal significance.

Summary

Tertius, the “third” man, occupies a single verse yet serves as God’s chosen instrument to inscribe the Epistle to the Romans. His faithful, professional, and worshipful transcription exemplifies how seemingly minor roles weave into the grand tapestry of redemptive history. From the quill of an unsung scribe flows a letter that has shaped creeds, sparked revivals, and grounded countless souls in the righteousness that comes by faith.