Tertius
Tertius was a first-century Christian who served as the scribe or amanuensis for the Apostle Paul during the dictation of the Epistle to the Romans.
Tertius is a figure of the early Christian church mentioned briefly in the New Testament. His presence is noted specifically in the closing greetings of the Epistle to the Romans, a letter traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. While Paul is the theological author of the document, Tertius is the physical writer who recorded the words on parchment.
His name, which is of Latin origin meaning 'third,' suggests he may have been of Roman descent or a member of a household where such numerical names were common for slaves or servants. Despite his brief mention, he provides a unique firsthand glimpse into the collaborative process of apostolic letter-writing in the mid-1st century AD.
Background and Family
The biblical record provides no specific details regarding the lineage, family, or tribal affiliation of Tertius. His name, Τέρτιος (Tertios), is the Greek transliteration of the common Latin name 'Tertius.' In the Roman world, names like Primus (first), Secundus (second), and Tertius (third) were often given to children based on their birth order. These names were also frequently found among the slave and freedman classes of the Roman Empire. Consequently, many scholars suggest that Tertius may have been a professional scribe or a literate member of the Corinthian church—where Paul was residing at the time of the letter's composition—who volunteered his skills for the gospel.
Major Life Events
The entirety of Tertius's known history is contained within a single verse in the New Testament. During the winter of approximately 57 AD, the Apostle Paul was in Corinth, preparing to travel to Jerusalem with an offering for the saints. Before his departure, he dictated his most comprehensive theological treatise to the church in Rome. Tertius served as the amanuensis (secretary) for this task.
As the letter concludes, Paul includes various greetings from his companions. In a rare break from the dictation format, Tertius inserts his own voice into the text:
"I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord." (Romans 16:22)
This indicates that Tertius was not merely a mechanical tool but a recognized brother in the faith who was known to, or at least wished to be known by, the Roman congregation. After this brief interjection, the text resumes with greetings from Gaius and Erastus.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Tertius’s primary relationship is his professional and spiritual connection to the Apostle Paul. His role demonstrates that Paul often utilized scribes to assist in his correspondence, likely due to the length of the letters or potentially Paul's own physical limitations. While not mentioned in other letters, Tertius stands alongside figures like Timothy, Silas, and Tychicus as part of the support network that facilitated the spread of the early Christian message.
Spiritual Significance
Tertius serves as a representative of the 'hidden' laborers of the New Testament era. His contribution was essential to the creation of what would become a foundational text of Christian theology. By including his own greeting, he emphasizes the communal nature of the early church and the dignity of all forms of service. Whether he was a professional scribe for hire or a fellow believer offering his literacy as a spiritual gift, he is immortalized as the hand that physically penned the Book of Romans.
Spiritual Significance
Tertius is significant for providing direct evidence of the use of an amanuensis in the writing of the Pauline epistles. His self-identification in Romans 16:22 allows for a deeper understanding of how the New Testament documents were physically produced and transmitted. Theologically, his greeting 'in the Lord' underscores the unity between the author, the scribe, and the recipients.
Furthermore, his presence highlights the diversity of the early church, as a man with a Latin name (likely in Greece) writes to a Roman audience on behalf of a Jewish apostle. He stands as a testament to the collaborative effort required to document and distribute apostolic teaching during the first century AD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tertius in the Bible?
Tertius was the scribe who wrote down the Epistle to the Romans as the Apostle Paul dictated it.
What does the name 'Tertius' mean?
The name is Latin for 'third,' often used as a name for a third-born child or within the servant class.
Did Tertius write the Book of Romans?
He was the physical writer (amanuensis) who transcribed the letter, while the Apostle Paul was the intellectual and spiritual author who dictated the content.
Where is Tertius mentioned in the Bible?
He is mentioned only once, in Romans 16:22.
Why did Paul use a scribe like Tertius?
Using a professional scribe was a common practice in the ancient world for ensuring clarity and durability in important long-form correspondence.
Connected Figures
Paul the Apostle
Employer and fellow believer for whom he wrote
Gaius
Contemporary mentioned in the same greeting list
Erastus
Contemporary mentioned in the same greeting list
Categories
Mentions by Book
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