Question 1

What does Romans 16:22 mean?

Accepted Answer

Romans 16:22 shows that Tertius, the person who physically wrote down the letter to the Romans, sends his own greeting to the readers as well. This verse is a brief personal note from the scribe who helped Paul by writing out his words. Tertius was acting as a secretary, writing down Paul’s message to the Christians in Rome. Here, he steps out of the background to greet the church himself, which was a common courtesy in ancient letter writing. This small detail highlights the teamwork involved in creating the letter and gives a glimpse into the real people behind the biblical text.

Question 2

The Greek behind Romans 16:22

Accepted Answer

Τέρτιος (Tertios, “Tertius”): This is the name of the scribe. Including his own greeting shows that he was present and personally invested in the letter’s message. ἔγραψα (egrapsa, “wrote”): This word means “I wrote.” It makes clear that Tertius was the one who physically wrote the letter, even though Paul was the author. ἐπιστολήν (epistolēn, “epistle”): This is the Greek word for “letter.” It reminds the reader that Romans was a real letter sent to real people, not just a theological treatise. ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai, “salute”): This word means “greet” or “send greetings.” It was a warm, friendly way to acknowledge the recipients.

Question 3

Why Romans 16:22 matters

Accepted Answer

Romans 16:22 reminds readers that Paul often used a secretary (an amanuensis) to write his letters, which was a normal practice in the ancient world. The verse gives a personal touch, showing that more than one person was involved in the letter’s creation and delivery. This greeting from Tertius adds authenticity and humanity to the letter, connecting the readers not just to Paul but to the wider circle of early Christians.

Romans 16:22 (KJV)