Read & explore together
Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers
These closing greetings name people connected with Paul’s letter to the Romans. In just three verses, the passage shows shared work, shared belonging, and practical service expressed through greetings.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
Romans 16:21–23 remains in the form of a letter. Paul includes greetings from several named people, then Tertius adds his own greeting as the one writing the letter. Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus are also named with brief descriptions of their roles or relationships.
Romans 16:21–23Main takeaway
Romans 16:21–23 shows several people joined in the letter’s greetings, each described in a way that highlights shared service and belonging.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul names fellow workers and relativesPaul first mentions Timothy and calls him “my fellow worker”, showing that Timothy shares in the work with him.
Explanation
Paul first mentions Timothy and calls him “my fellow worker”, showing that Timothy shares in the work with him. He also names Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, calling them “my relatives”. The verse does not explain further, but it clearly gathers these people into the greeting.
02Tertius speaks as the one writingIn the next verse, Tertius writes in the first person: “I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord.”
Explanation
In the next verse, Tertius writes in the first person: “I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord.” This adds a clear detail about his role. His greeting is also “in the Lord”, which expresses a shared bond with those receiving the letter.
03Gaius is described as a hostGaius sends greetings and is called “my host and host of the whole assembly”. The verse highlights his hospitality in direct terms.
Explanation
Gaius sends greetings and is called “my host and host of the whole assembly”. The verse highlights his hospitality in direct terms. It does not tell a longer story about it, yet it shows that hosting was one meaningful way a person could support Paul and the assembly.
04Other greetings include public and family-style titlesErastus is identified as “the treasurer of the city”, while Quartus is called “the brother”.
Explanation
Erastus is identified as “the treasurer of the city”, while Quartus is called “the brother”. These short descriptions are different, yet both belong in the same set of greetings. The passage shows people known by work, service, and relationship all being named together.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Which words describe Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater?
Read Romans 16:21 closely and list the exact descriptions Paul gives, including “fellow worker” and “my relatives”.
02What does Tertius tell us about his part in this letter?
Use his own words in Romans 16:22 to identify his role and the way he gives his greeting.
03How is Gaius described, and what does that show about his service?
Focus on the phrase “my host and host of the whole assembly” in Romans 16:23.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Romans 16:21–23
21Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives.
22I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord.
23Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother.