Beloved in Christ,
As I pen this letter to you, my spirit is imbued with the richness of grace that has been the hallmark of our journey with the Lord. My name is Tertius, and while some may remember me merely as the scribe of Paul's letter to the Romans, my soul has been profoundly touched by the truths I transcribed and the fellowship I've been blessed to partake in.
As I reflect upon the experiences and the deep theological landscapes we traversed in the book of Romans, my heart is stirred. Though my contribution may seem modest, the impact of Paul's teachings, which flowed through my quill, has etched an indelible mark upon my life and, I hope, upon the lives of many who have found solace and direction in these words.
My journey with Paul was not just about the physical travels or the intellectual rigor of transcribing his letters. It was a profound spiritual pilgrimage that allowed me to witness firsthand the power of the Gospel to transform lives, to break down barriers, and to unify believers across diverse backgrounds. Paul’s deep love for the church in Rome, a congregation he had yet to meet, taught me about the universal bond of love that Christ offers to His followers, transcending geography and culture.
In the heart of Paul’s letter to the Romans lies the essence of the Gospel – grace through faith. This message, which I carefully recorded, speaks of a righteousness that comes from God, a gift so freely given yet so transformative in its power to redeem. This truth, that “the righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17), has been a beacon of hope for me, a reminder that in the face of our human frailty, His grace is sufficient.
As I scribed Paul’s words, the theme of unity among believers resonated deeply within me. The church in Rome, much like our own communities today, was a tapestry of Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, slaves and free. Paul’s exhortation for unity, for one body in Christ, is a clarion call to us today to look beyond our differences, to embrace our shared identity in Jesus, and to build His kingdom together in love and mutual respect.
One of the most profound sections I had the privilege to write was Paul’s discourse on love. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). In a world fraught with discord and selfishness, Paul’s words are a testament to the transformative power of God’s love operating through us. This love calls us to action, to serve one another humbly, and to be the living expressions of Christ’s love in the world.
In the midst of transcribing Paul’s encouragements and teachings, his personal reflections on suffering and hope struck a chord within me. The Apostle’s perspective on “our light and momentary troubles” achieving “an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17) is a profound encouragement to persevere. In our moments of trial and persecution, let us remember that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us, and that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).
Finally, Paul’s call to generosity and service, to contribute to the needs of the saints and to extend hospitality (Romans 12:13), has been a personal challenge. It serves as a reminder that our faith is lived out in practical acts of love and kindness, reflecting the generosity of our God who gave His all for us.
Beloved, as I close this letter, my prayer is that the truths of Romans, the depth of God’s love, the call to unity and service, and the hope we have in Christ, will continue to inspire and guide you. May we, together, be a living testament to the grace that has been bestowed upon us, walking in faith, united in love, and committed to the service of our King.
In His grace and peace,
Tertius
The Humble Witness: Tertius' Reflections on Grace and Transformation