Romans 16:21 - Meaning and Application

As Paul had already sent his own greetings to many in this church, and greetings from the churches around him to them all, he now adds a warm reminder from some people who were with him. This would help build friendship and fellowship between believers who lived far apart. It would also make this letter more welcome, since these respected names were known to them.

He mentions, first, some who were his close friends and likely known to the Roman Christians. Timothy was his fellow worker. Paul sometimes calls Timothy his son, which shows Paul’s authority, but here he calls him a coworker, which shows his respect for him as an equal in service. Lucius was probably Lucius of Cyrene, a well-known man in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1), much like Jason at Thessalonica, who suffered because he welcomed Paul (Acts 17:5-6). Sosipater is likely the same person as Sopater of Berea, named in Acts 20:4.

Paul calls these men his relatives. That may mean they were fellow Jews in a broad sense, but it may also mean they were related to him by blood or family ties. Paul seems to have come from a good family, since he met so many relatives in different places. It is a great comfort to see our relatives living holy and useful lives.

He then mentions one man who served as his amanuensis, meaning the person who wrote the letter as Paul dictated it. Tertius says, “I, Tertius, who wrote this letter” (Romans 16:22). Paul used a scribe, not because he was proud or lazy, but because his own handwriting was likely hard to read. He mentions something like this when writing to the Galatians with his own hand, saying, “See what large letters I use” (Galatians 6:11). Tertius may have written exactly what Paul said, or copied it neatly from Paul’s rough draft. Even the smallest service done for the church, and for the ministers of the church, will not be forgotten or unrewarded. It was an honor for Tertius to have any part, even as a scribe, in writing this letter.

Paul then mentions some others who were well known among the Christians. Gaius was his host, that is, the one who welcomed and sheltered him. It is not certain whether this was Gaius of Derbe (Acts 20:4), Gaius of Macedonia (Acts 19:29), or Gaius of Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14), and it is also unclear whether he was the man to whom John later wrote in his third letter. Still, Paul praises his great hospitality. He was not only Paul’s host, but the host of the whole church. He opened his home whenever the church needed it, and he eased the burden on others by gladly receiving any Christian stranger who came their way.

Erastus, the city treasurer, is another man Paul names. He means the city of Corinth, where this letter was written. Erastus seems to have been a man of rank and public responsibility, a steward or treasurer in the city. Not many powerful people or noble people are called, but some are. His wealth, honor, and office did not keep him from serving Paul and giving himself for the good of the church. It appears he also took part in ministry work, since he is linked with Timothy (Acts 19:22) and is mentioned again in 2 Timothy 4:20. It was no shame for the city treasurer to preach the gospel of Christ.

Quartus is also mentioned, and Paul calls him a brother. In Christ, we all belong to one family. Since Christ is our one Father, we are all brothers and sisters together.