Q: What does it mean that Quartus is simply called a brother?

Quartus is introduced briefly as a brother. This likely means a brother in Christ, not a blood relative of Paul. The short title says a lot. It shows that being part of God's family is an honored place, even without a long list of roles or titles. His greeting stands alongside those of leaders and officials, which hints that every believer matters. God sees both the well-known and the lesser-known, and the bond between them is that they belong to the same Lord and the same spiritual family.

Question 1

Who is Timotheus called Paul's workfellow in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Timotheus here is the same person known as Timothy. He was a younger coworker who traveled with Paul and helped him spread the good news about Jesus. Paul often spoke of him as a spiritual son, but here he calls him his workfellow, which shows deep respect. This means Timothy did not just follow along; he labored side by side with Paul. His greeting reminds the Roman believers that the message they received was shared and supported by trusted coworkers who served together for Christ.

Question 2

Why are Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater called Paul's kinsmen?

Accepted Answer

Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater are called kinsmen because they were Jews like Paul, and likely related to him by blood or extended family. They were also his brothers in Christ. These men had served and suffered for the gospel in different places, and now they joined Paul in sending greetings. Their mention shows that Paul was not alone in his faith or ministry. It is a reminder that family ties can be a joy when relatives share the same Lord and work together in serving him.

Question 3

Who is Tertius who says he wrote this epistle, and what did he do?

Accepted Answer

Tertius was the scribe who physically wrote the letter as Paul dictated it. In those days it was common for someone to speak while another person carefully wrote the words. Tertius may have copied it neatly from Paul's rough draft or written it straight from Paul's mouth. He then adds his own greeting  in the Lord, showing his love for the believers in Rome. This small note shows that even quiet, behind-the-scenes work for God, like writing for another, is noticed and honored.

Question 4

Why is Gaius called Paul's host and of the whole church?

Accepted Answer

Gaius is called Paul's host because Paul was staying in his home while writing this letter. He is also called the host of the whole church because he opened his house and resources to many believers. His home likely served as a gathering place for meetings and as lodging for traveling Christians. This tells us he was generous and ready to share what he had for the good of others. His greeting shows how hospitality supported the spread of the gospel and strengthened the church community.

Question 5

Who is Erastus the chamberlain of the city, and why is his office noted?

Accepted Answer

Erastus is described as the chamberlain or treasurer of the city where Paul was staying, which points to Corinth. His job was to manage the city's public money, a position of honor and trust. Mentioning his office shows that some believers held responsible roles in public life, yet still stood with Paul and cared about the church. His greeting reminds us that faith in Christ reaches people in different levels of society, and that having status or wealth does not keep a person from serving God and his people.

Question 6

What does it mean that Quartus is simply called a brother?

Accepted Answer

Quartus is introduced briefly as a brother. This likely means a brother in Christ, not a blood relative of Paul. The short title says a lot. It shows that being part of God's family is an honored place, even without a long list of roles or titles. His greeting stands alongside those of leaders and officials, which hints that every believer matters. God sees both the well-known and the lesser-known, and the bond between them is that they belong to the same Lord and the same spiritual family.

Question 7

What does this group of greetings teach about Christian fellowship?

Accepted Answer

These greetings show a wide circle of believers linked together in Christ. There are close coworkers, relatives, a scribe, a generous host, a city official, and an unnamed brother, all thinking about a church they have likely never met. They care enough to send love and blessing. This paints a picture of the early church as one family spread across cities, sharing faith, work, and hospitality. It encourages us to value other believers, pray for them, and remember that followers of Jesus in different places are part of one body.

Question 8

How can this passage about greetings apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This short list of names can shape how we think about church life now. It suggests we should honor different kinds of service, from public teaching to quiet support roles. It also shows the value of opening our homes and sharing our resources like Gaius did. Remembering other believers, even in far-off places, reflects the same heart shown here. Sending a word of greeting, praying for coworkers in ministry, or supporting those who travel to serve Christ are all ways to live out the same kind of fellowship we see in this passage.

Romans 16:21

Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers

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Romans 16:21

Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

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Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers

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