Tertius
Summary
Tertius was the amanuensis (secretary) who wrote the Epistle to the Romans at Paul's dictation, and who inserted his own personal greeting to the Roman Christians.
☩Role and Identity
Tertius served as Paul's scribe for the Epistle to the Romans, writing at the apostle's dictation. His name, meaning 'third' in Latin, suggests he was of Roman or Italian origin. In the midst of Paul's greetings at the close of the letter, Tertius unusually interjects his own personal salutation: 'I Tertius, who wrote the epistle, salute you in the Lord.' This personal greeting indicates he was known to the Roman Christians, not merely functioning as an anonymous secretary.
☩Paul's Practice of Dictation
Paul generally dictated his letters and added a few words in his own handwriting as authentication. The employment of different amanuenses may partially account for the stylistic diversity found among Paul's epistles. Tertius likely took down Paul's words in shorthand (a practice extensively used at the time) and later wrote out the letter for transmission. That Tertius 'wrote the epistle in the Lord'—as a Christian, in a spirit of loving service—suggests he was a faithful attendant and companion of the apostle.
Related Verses1 mention
Romans· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tertius," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Tertius," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Tertius," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).