Romans 16:22

KJV

I Tertius, who wrote [this] epistle, salute you in the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

I {G1473} Tertius {G5060}, who wrote {G1125} this epistle {G1992}, salute {G782} you {G5209} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I, Tertius, the one writing down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

I Tertius, who write the epistle, salute you in the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:22 presents a unique personal interjection from Tertius, the amanuensis (scribe) who physically penned Paul's letter to the believers in Rome. This brief verse serves as a direct, personal greeting from Tertius to the recipients, affirming his own connection to the Christian community and his participation in the divine work of transmitting this foundational theological epistle. It adds a human and collaborative dimension to the inspired text, highlighting the diverse individuals involved in the early Christian ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16 is primarily a chapter of personal greetings, commendations, and warnings, deviating from the dense theological exposition of the preceding chapters. After concluding his doctrinal arguments and practical exhortations in [Romans 15](/romans/15 "Romans 15 - Paul's Ministry and Plans"), Paul dedicates the final chapter to acknowledging and affirming numerous individuals within the Roman church and beyond. This extensive list underscores the interconnectedness of the early Christian network and Paul's personal relationships. Tertius's greeting in [Romans 16:22](/romans/16-22 "Romans 16:22 - Tertius's Salutation") is an unusual but significant break in Paul's own voice, providing a rare glimpse into the collaborative process of epistle writing in the ancient world. It immediately follows Paul's commendation of Phoebe ([Romans 16:1-2](/romans/16-1-2 "Romans 16:1-2 - Commendation of Phoebe")) and precedes a final doxology ([Romans 16:25-27](/romans/16-25-27 "Romans 16:25-27 - Final Doxology")), positioning Tertius's personal touch amidst a tapestry of communal fellowship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, it was common practice for authors to employ professional scribes, known as amanuenses, to write down their dictated letters. This was due to various factors, including the cost of writing materials, the time involved, and sometimes poor eyesight on the part of the author (as possibly indicated for Paul in [Galatians 6:11](/galatians/6-11 "Galatians 6:11 - Paul's Large Letters")). While the amanuensis would transcribe the bulk of the letter, the author would often add a personal postscript or signature in their own hand to authenticate the message (e.g., [1 Corinthians 16:21](/1_corinthians/16-21 "1 Corinthians 16:21 - Paul's Own Hand")). Tertius's direct salutation is exceptional because it is the scribe, not the primary author, who interjects a personal greeting within the body of the letter. This suggests a deep personal connection between Tertius and Paul, and perhaps a recognized standing within the Christian community, allowing him to extend his own greetings to the Roman believers. This practice highlights the communal and relational nature of early Christian communication, where even the process of writing was often a shared endeavor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several significant themes within Romans and the broader New Testament. It reinforces the theme of **collaboration in ministry**, demonstrating that God uses diverse individuals and their unique gifts to accomplish His purposes, from the apostle dictating to the scribe recording. This echoes Paul's teaching on the body of Christ, where "the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'" ([1 Corinthians 12:21](/1_corinthians/12-21 "1 Corinthians 12:21 - Interdependence of Body Parts")). Furthermore, Tertius's greeting emphasizes the **personal and relational nature of Christian fellowship**. The letter to the Romans, while a profound theological treatise, is not merely an abstract document; it is a communication between real people, bound together by shared faith. The phrase "in the Lord" underscores the theme of **spiritual unity and identity**, indicating that their greetings and relationships are rooted in their common bond with Christ, transcending mere social pleasantries. This communal aspect is central to Paul's vision of the church as a unified body, as seen throughout [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity in the Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **I (Greek, _egṓ_):** This is a primary pronoun of the first person, "I," used here emphatically. Tertius, the scribe, steps forward to identify himself directly and personally. While Paul typically uses "I" throughout his letters, here it is Tertius asserting his own presence and connection to the recipients, making his role more than just a passive transcriber. It signifies his personal investment and identity within the Christian community.
* **wrote (Greek, _gráphō_):** A primary verb meaning "to grave," especially "to write." Figuratively, it means "to describe." In this context, it refers to the physical act of penning the epistle as dictated by Paul. This word highlights Tertius's specific, tangible contribution to the creation of this letter, emphasizing his role as the amanuensis. It is the very act that makes his personal salutation possible within the text.
* **salute (Greek, _aspázomai_):** From a particle of union and a presumed form meaning "to draw," this verb means "to enfold in the arms," and by implication, "to salute" or "to welcome." It conveys a sense of warm affection, personal regard, and a welcoming embrace. This is more than a formal greeting; it suggests a heartfelt expression of fellowship and connection from Tertius to the Roman believers.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** From a root denoting supremacy, this noun means "supreme in authority," or "controller," and by implication, "Master." It is a respectful title used for God or Christ. The phrase "in the Lord" signifies that Tertius's greeting is not merely a human social convention but is rooted in and defined by their shared relationship with Jesus Christ. It elevates the greeting to a spiritual plane, emphasizing the common identity and bond that believers share through their allegiance to Christ as their supreme Master.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I Tertius, who wrote this epistle":** This clause serves as a direct, personal identification by the amanuensis. Tertius steps out from behind the scenes, asserting his presence and his specific role in the creation of the letter. It confirms that Paul dictated the letter and Tertius was the one who physically inscribed the words, a common practice in ancient letter writing. This adds a unique layer of authenticity and personal connection to the epistle.
* **"salute you":** Here, Tertius extends a warm greeting to the Roman believers. The Greek word for "salute" (aspázomai) implies a heartfelt welcome and embrace, going beyond a mere formal acknowledgment. It demonstrates Tertius's personal affection and fellowship with the recipients, indicating that he is not just a professional scribe but a fellow member of the Christian community.
* **"in the Lord":** This crucial phrase qualifies the nature of Tertius's greeting. It signifies that his salutation is not merely a social courtesy but is rooted in their shared faith and common identity in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the spiritual bond that unites believers, transcending geographical distance or personal acquaintance. The greeting is given and received within the context of their allegiance to Christ as their supreme Master, highlighting the spiritual dimension of their fellowship and unity.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:22, though brief, employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Personal Interjection**, where Tertius, the amanuensis, directly addresses the audience, breaking the narrative voice of Paul. This creates a moment of **Metatextuality**, drawing attention to the physical act of writing the letter itself and the human agents involved in its transmission. The phrase "in the Lord" functions as a form of **Theological Qualification**, elevating a common social greeting to a spiritual declaration, emphasizing the shared identity and spiritual bond among believers. This also subtly employs **Synecdoche**, where the "Lord" represents the entire sphere of Christian faith, community, and shared life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Tertius's brief interjection in Romans 16:22 serves as a powerful reminder of the collaborative nature of God's work and the value of every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly "behind the scenes." It underscores the reality that divine inspiration often works through human instruments, highlighting the partnership between God and humanity in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. This verse also emphasizes the profound unity and fellowship that exists "in the Lord," where greetings are not mere formalities but expressions of a shared spiritual identity and purpose, binding believers together across diverse roles and locations. It speaks to the relational core of the Christian faith, where the body of Christ functions through the interconnectedness and mutual affirmation of its members.

* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "Diversity of Gifts, Unity in Spirit")
* [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Growing in Christ, Building the Body")
* [Philippians 4:21-23](/philippians/4-21-23 "Greetings from the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:22 invites us to consider the often-unseen but vital roles played by individuals in God's kingdom. Just as Tertius faithfully transcribed Paul's inspired words, many in the church today serve in supportive capacities that are essential for ministry to flourish. This verse encourages us to value and affirm every member of the body of Christ, recognizing that each contribution, whether prominent or humble, is significant "in the Lord." It also challenges us to infuse our own greetings and interactions with genuine spiritual warmth and recognition of our shared identity in Christ. When we greet one another "in the Lord," we are not just being polite; we are affirming a profound spiritual bond, strengthening the ties of fellowship, and reminding ourselves of the unity we share in Christ. This small verse calls us to appreciate the collaborative spirit of the church and to participate actively, whatever our role, in building up the community of faith with love and intentionality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to overlook or undervalue "behind-the-scenes" contributions in my church or community?**
* **How can I more intentionally express greetings "in the Lord" that reflect genuine spiritual connection and affirmation?**
* **What is my unique "Tertius-like" role or contribution that, while perhaps not prominent, is essential to the functioning of the body of Christ?**

### FAQ

**Who was Tertius and what was his significance?**

Answer: Tertius was the amanuensis, or professional scribe, whom Paul employed to write down the Epistle to the Romans as Paul dictated it. His significance lies in his unique personal interjection in [Romans 16:22](/romans/16-22 "Tertius's Salutation"), where he extends his own greeting to the Roman believers. This brief moment highlights the human element in the transmission of divinely inspired Scripture and underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry. While we know very little else about Tertius from the biblical text, his name is immortalized as the one who physically penned one of the most profound theological documents in Christian history.

**Why did Paul use an amanuensis, and why is Tertius's greeting unique?**

Answer: Paul, like many ancient authors, commonly used an amanuensis due to the practicalities of writing in that era, which included the expense of materials, the time involved, and potentially Paul's own poor eyesight, as suggested in [Galatians 6:11](/galatians/6-11 "Paul's Large Letters"). While Paul would often add a personal postscript in his own hand for authentication (e.g., [1 Corinthians 16:21](/1_corinthians/16-21 "Paul's Own Hand")), Tertius's greeting is unique because it is the scribe himself, rather than the apostle, who offers a direct personal salutation within the body of the letter. This suggests that Tertius was not merely a hired hand but a fellow believer, deeply connected to Paul and the broader Christian community, whose personal regard for the Roman church was significant enough to be included in the inspired text.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:22, though a personal greeting from a scribe, points to the Christ-centered reality of Christian fellowship and ministry. Tertius's salutation "in the Lord" signifies that all genuine Christian connection and service are rooted in and defined by Jesus Christ. Just as Tertius served as an instrument for Paul to convey the Gospel, Christ Himself is the ultimate medium through whom God communicates His redemptive plan to humanity. He is the "Word made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), the perfect expression of God's will and love. Our ability to "salute" one another "in the Lord" is a direct result of Christ's work, who broke down all barriers and created "one new humanity in place of the two" ([Ephesians 2:14-15](/ephesians/2-14-15 "Christ Our Peace")). Every act of service, every greeting, and every collaborative effort within the church finds its meaning and power in Him, for it is "through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father" ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Access to the Father Through Christ")). Tertius's brief appearance thus reminds us that all ministry, whether prominent or hidden, is ultimately for the glory of Christ and empowered by our shared union with Him, the Head of the Church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Christ is the Head of the Body")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 6:11

¶ Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

Romans 16:8

Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16:21

The salutation of [me] Paul with mine own hand.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.