What does Romans 16:22 mean?

Explanation

Romans 16:22 is a personal greeting from Tertius, the scribe who wrote down the Epistle to the Romans on behalf of the Apostle Paul, who is traditionally understood as the author of the letter.

In this verse, Tertius takes a moment to insert his own personal greeting to the recipients of the letter, indicating that while Paul is the author, Tertius is the one who actually penned the letter.

The phrase "salute you in the Lord" is a form of Christian greeting that implies a connection and unity among believers under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

This subtle insertion serves to remind readers of the humanity behind the epistle; a real person, Tertius, took part in the creation of this scriptural text that has been passed down through generations.

Historical Context

The Book of Romans was composed around A.D. 56-58, during Paul's third missionary journey, possibly when he was staying in Corinth.

At the time, it was common for authors, especially those with a degree of status or who were addressing a wide audience, to dictate their letters to a scribe or an amanuensis.

In the Roman Empire, using a scribe like Tertius was typical for letter writing among the literate class.

Tertius's personal insertion here gives us a clue about the nature of ancient letter-writing practices and the collaborative process it often entailed.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse may not contain deep doctrine, but it does illustrate the human means by which divine scripture has historically been transmitted.

It underscores the collaborative nature of scripture writing in which the Holy Spirit worked through both the apostle Paul and Tertius to communicate His message.

Moreover, it serves as a subtle reminder that God uses ordinary people in the outworking of His divine plans, not just the apostles and prophets but also those who assist them.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Romans 16:22 lies in its demonstration of servanthood and humility.

Tertius, although not the primary author, plays a vital role in the delivery of Paul's message, showing that every member of the body of Christ has a part to play, whether prominent or not.

This verse encourages believers to serve in whatever capacity they can and to acknowledge the contributions of all individuals within the Christian community.

Cross-References

• Colossians 4:18: "The salutation by the hand of me Paul.

Remember my bonds.

Grace be with you.

Amen."

• 2 Thessalonians 3:17: "The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write."
• 1 Corinthians 16:21: "The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand."

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Greek text include:

• "Tertius" (Τέρτιος): This is the proper name of the scribe.
• "Wrote" (ἔγραψα): This is the verb "to write," here in the aorist tense, signifying an action completed in the past.
• "Salute" (ἀσπάζομαι): Often translated as "greet" or "salute," it is used in the New Testament as a term of affection and recognition among believers.
• "In the Lord" (ἐν Κυρίῳ): The phrase denotes the sphere of Christian fellowship and life, being united in Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Roman cultural context, personal secretaries or amanuenses who assisted in writing letters were commonplace. The use of an amanuensis was also present in Jewish culture, as seen in rabbinic literature.

However, the intimate nature of Tertius's greeting, which was inclusive and spiritually connected to the recipient, highlights the distinctiveness of early Christian community practices, setting them apart from secular epistolary customs.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific analysis of ancient texts often involves the study of writing material, ink composition, handwriting styles, and linguistic patterns to date and authenticate the documents.

While there is no direct scientific insight to derive from this particular verse, the acknowledgment of Tertius's role exemplifies the kinds of human interactions with textual materials that can be subject to analysis and study by historical and archaeological science.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators typically discuss Romans 16:22 to highlight the role of Tertius in the penning of the epistle, which reflects common practices of the time.

They may also use this verse to emphasize the integrity and authenticity of the letter, providing a personal touch distinct from forgeries that were common in the ancient world.

Some also see Tertius's greeting as an example of the social and relational fabric of the early Christian communities, where individuals other than the primary leaders were acknowledged and given a voice.