Learn more about Tertius

Introduction to Tertius

Tertius is a minor but noteworthy figure in the New Testament. His name appears only once in the Bible, but it holds unique significance due to his role in the creation of one of the most important epistles in Christian theology: the Book of Romans. The name "Tertius" is of Latin origin and means "third," possibly indicating his birth order in a Roman family. Though he occupies only a single verse, his presence provides valuable insight into the writing process of biblical epistles and the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry.

Tertius Pronunciation

“Tertius” is pronounced as TUR-shi-uhs or TUR-tee-uhs, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Tertius in the New Testament

Tertius is mentioned in Romans 16:22:

• Romans 16:22 – “I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.” This single verse reveals that Tertius acted as the scribe or amanuensis for Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. It was common in the Greco-Roman world for writers, especially those composing lengthy or formal documents, to dictate their words to a trained scribe.

Though Paul is undoubtedly the author of Romans, Tertius was the one who physically wrote the letter, a role that required literacy, attention to detail, and trust from the author. His greeting suggests he was not merely a passive copyist but a believer engaged in the ministry and fellowship of the early church.

Related Themes and Meanings to Tertius

• Amanuensis: Tertius exemplifies the role of a scribe or secretary in biblical letter-writing. This practice helped preserve and transmit apostolic teaching with precision.
• Community in Ministry: Paul’s epistles often conclude with personal greetings and acknowledgments, reflecting the collaborative spirit of early Christian missions. Tertius’s inclusion is a testament to this communal ethos.
• Faithful Service: Though his role was behind the scenes, Tertius faithfully contributed to the spread of the gospel through his skill and dedication. His example reminds believers of the value of every role in ministry, visible or not.

Historical and Cultural Context

Given the Roman origin of his name and the context of his work on the epistle to the Roman believers, Tertius was likely a Roman Christian, possibly of lower social rank, as many scribes and secretaries were servants or freedmen. Yet, the early church was a place where such distinctions were often leveled in the body of Christ (Galatians 3:28). Tertius may have been part of Paul’s ministry team in Corinth, where Paul wrote Romans during his third missionary journey, around A.D. 57.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Tertius

• Unique Self-Reference: Tertius is the only biblical scribe known to include a personal greeting in a letter, giving him a small but distinct voice in Scripture.
• Romans 16 and the Early Church Network: The sixteenth chapter of Romans includes greetings to over two dozen individuals, offering a rich snapshot of the early Christian network in Rome and beyond. Tertius’s greeting adds to the communal and personal nature of Paul’s ministry.
• Meaning of His Name: As "Tertius" means "third," it may indicate that he came from a Roman household where children were named according to birth order, a common practice (e.g., Primus, Secundus, Tertius, Quartus).

Conclusion

Though Tertius is a minor character in the New Testament, his brief appearance underscores the often-overlooked roles that helped shape the early church. His hand penned one of the most theologically rich books of the Bible under Paul's dictation. His greeting, preserved for millennia, reflects the human touch behind the divine message and reminds readers that every act of service, however small, matters in God’s kingdom.