Romans 16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
Reading Romans 16 this morning, I was reminded how much I do not know about the life of the Apostle Paul. There is a lot of history crammed into these twenty-seven verses, and there must be some big things that happened in Paul’s life of which we know little to nothing.
Let me begin to demonstrate this by asking you a question. Who wrote the book of Romans? You might say, “Paul did.” I would say, “Well, did he really write the book of Romans? Who really wrote the book of Romans?” You would say, “God did. He inspired Paul to write it.” Then I might say reverently, “Well, did God actually put quill to parchment?” The answer is no, and then you are back to Paul again.
Verse 22 says, “I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.” So, if we are going to get technical, God inspired Paul, Paul gave the words to his secretary, and his secretary wrote down the words that God had given Paul. All I am saying is that we know of Paul, but we have never heard of Tertius.
Verse 3 says, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus.” You have probably heard of them. Verse 4 says, “Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” These people literally risked their necks for Paul. When did this happen? I don’t know!
Who was the first convert of Achaia? Apparently it was a well-beloved brother named Epaenetus. This man is a significant player, but none of us have heard of him.
Who was like a mother to Paul? That is a big question, but it is one little verse. Verse 13 says, “Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” I don’t know what the story is behind that, but that is pretty big.
The point is that every story matters. Your story matters. I don’t mean this in a touchy, feely way. I mean that what you do does matter. Whether people read, know, or applaud your story is not what gives it significance. What gives it significance is that God knows it.
We read quite a few forgotten names here in Romans 16. For instance, Phebe, who delivered this letter to the Romans, was a “succourer of many.” Paul speaks of Mary “who bestoweth much labour on us.” Paul speaks of others who were helpers. These were people who did their part to further the ministry of the gospel, and while we know little to nothing about them, God knows about them.
Today, be aware of others. Don’t be discouraged or arrogant about yourself, and remember that every story matters.