What role did Tertius play in writing the epistles to the Romans?

[tonychanyt]

At the closing of Romans 16:

22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

The following is entirely from Reading Acts:

Paul is the author of the letter, but Tertius is the scribe or amanuensis who did the actual writing.

For Paul to use a scribe to write Romans reflects the normal method for writing a long document, or even a personal letter. An author could dictate to a scribe who would write out the dictation and work with the author to create the final form of the document.

How much freedom would Tertius have had in the composition of the letter?

1. Tertius took down the letter in longhand from Paul’s dictation. This is least likely, since it is not the common practice in the Roman world, but it also preserves the words as Paul’s alone.
2. Tertius wrote in shorthand as Paul dictated. The second century writer Origin used this method, according to Eusebius (HE 6.23.2). As Origin lectured, a scribe took down notes and a final copy was made with Origin’s approval.
3. He more independently composed the letter following directions from Paul or perhaps using notes from Paul. This would be analogous to a ghostwriter used by modern authors.

Regardless of the method he used to create the original document, there is little doubt that Paul wrote the letter to the Romans.

 

[All Becomes New]

There is at least one instance where Paul wrote a letter by his own hand. How common this was, IDK.

"Look at what large letters I use as I write to you in my own handwriting." (Galatians 6:11)

We also may assume that letters at least on some occasions were a joint effort.

"If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don’t associate with him, so that he may be ashamed." (2 Thessalonians 3:14)

Also, Paul always gave the same greeting.

"I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand, which is an authenticating mark in every letter; this is how I write." (2 Thessalonians 3:17)

What's the greeting Paul gives?

Rom. 1:7; 16:20; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; Col. 1:2; 1 Th. 1:1; 2 Th. 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philem. 1:3

Grace and peace without exception.