Romans 16:22
I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάζομαι
salute
G782
ἀσπάζομαι
salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 10
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γράψας
who wrote
G1125
γράψας
who wrote
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
6 of 10
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Amanuenses (secretaries) were common in antiquity: educated slaves, freedmen, or hired professionals transcribed dictation. Paul likely couldn't write extensively due to poor eyesight (Galatians 4:15, 6:11) or manual labor damage to hands (tentmaking). Tertius' skill in Greek rhetoric and theology shows in Romans' literary quality—yet the content is Paul's (1:1, 'Paul...called an apostle'). This partnership between apostle and scribe mirrors the Spirit's inspiration through human authors: divine authority mediated through human personality. Tertius' brief greeting honors the 'invisible' laborers—scribes, copyists, messengers—who preserved and transmitted Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Tertius' inclusion ('I...wrote this epistle') teach about honoring support roles in ministry—those who serve behind the scenes?
- How does recognizing human mediation (Paul dictated, Tertius wrote) affect your view of Scripture's inspiration and authority?
- Who are the 'Tertius' figures in your ministry context—faithful servants whose work enables others' public ministry—and how can you honor them?
Analysis & Commentary
I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord—Aspazomai hymas egō Tertios ho grapsas tēn epistolēn en kyriō (ἀσπάζομαι ὑμᾶς ἐγὼ Τέρτιος ὁ γράψας τὴν ἐπιστολὴν ἐν κυρίῳ). Ho grapsas (ὁ γράφω, the one writing) identifies Tertius as Paul's amanuensis (secretary). En kyriō (in the Lord) shows Tertius isn't mere scribe but fellow believer. Paul typically dictated letters (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, Philemon mention dictation), signing them personally (Galatians 6:11, 'see what large letters'; 2 Thessalonians 3:17, 'the token in every epistle'). Tertius' greeting humanizes the text—this theological masterpiece passed through human hands, written painstakingly with stylus on papyrus.