Who Wrote the Book of Romans? Paul the Apostle

The Book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul. He names himself in the first verse: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1, BSB). A scribe named Tertius actually put the words on parchment and added his own greeting: “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord” (Romans 16:22, BSB). So Paul is the author; Tertius was his amanuensis, or writing assistant. The letter was likely written from Corinth around A.D. 57–58, near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, as he was preparing to carry a collection to Jerusalem (Romans 15:25).

How do we know Paul wrote Romans?

The letter itself is the strongest evidence. Paul opens by identifying himself (Romans 1:1) and closes with personal greetings that match his known companions. In Romans 16 he mentions Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila, and others connected with his ministry. The vocabulary, logic, and theology are consistent with the Paul we meet in Acts and in his other letters.

Peter also treats Paul’s letters as authoritative Scripture. He writes that “our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him” and refers to “his letters” containing “some things that are hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:15–16, BSB). The early church never seriously questioned Paul’s authorship. From the second century onward, Christian writers consistently cited Romans as Paul’s.

Who was Tertius, and why does he matter?

Tertius was Paul’s scribe. In the ancient world, authors often dictated letters to a trained writer who could produce clear handwriting and a polished style. Tertius identifies himself in Romans 16:22, which is unusual but helpful. It confirms that Paul used a secretary, and it shows that the letter was a real piece of correspondence, not a later composition attributed to Paul.

Some scholars have wondered whether Tertius contributed to the wording. The most natural reading is that Paul composed the content and Tertius wrote it down. The greeting in Romans 16:22 is Tertius’s own, not Paul’s, which fits the practice of a scribe adding a personal note.

When and where was Romans written?

The letter was probably written from Corinth during the winter of A.D. 57–58. Several details point there. Paul mentions Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea, which was a port near Corinth (Romans 16:1). He sends greetings from Gaius, who hosted him (Romans 16:23), and Gaius was a Corinthian convert (1 Corinthians 1:14). Erastus, mentioned in Romans 16:23, was the city treasurer of Corinth.

Paul also explains that he is about to go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints (Romans 15:25), which matches the end of his third journey in Acts. So the setting is clear: Paul is in Greece, finishing his work in the east, and writing ahead to a church he has not yet visited.

Why did Paul write to the Romans?

Paul had several aims. He wanted to prepare the Roman Christians for his planned visit on the way to Spain (Romans 15:24). He also wanted to explain the gospel fully to a church made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers. The letter addresses tensions between these groups, showing that salvation is by grace through faith for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike.

Romans is the most systematic presentation of the gospel in the New Testament. It explains human sin (Romans 3:23), justification by faith (Romans 3:24), the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8), God’s faithfulness to Israel (Romans 9–11), and practical Christian living (Romans 12–16). Paul wrote to teach, to unify, and to defend the truth.

What about the claim that someone else wrote Romans?

Some modern scholars have questioned whether Paul wrote all of his letters, but Romans has stronger support than most. The external evidence is early and widespread. Clement of Rome, writing near the end of the first century, knew the letter. Ignatius, Polycarp, and later writers quoted it as Paul’s. The internal evidence—the personal details, the coherence with Acts, the theological depth—fits Paul.

A few have suggested that Romans 16 was originally a separate letter, but the manuscript tradition keeps it attached to Romans. The most reasonable conclusion is that Paul dictated the whole letter, and Tertius wrote it down.

What does the authorship of Romans mean for readers today?

If Paul wrote Romans, then this is not merely ancient philosophy. It is apostolic teaching, written by a man commissioned by Christ Himself. Paul was “a chosen instrument” to carry the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15), and Romans is the fullest expression of that gospel. When you read Romans, you are reading a letter with authority, meant to be believed and obeyed.

The letter’s central message is that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, yet are justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23–24). That message does not change with time. It calls every reader to repentance and faith.

As you study Romans, read it prayerfully. Ask God to help you understand it. If you have questions, talk with a pastor or a mature believer in your local church. The letter was written to a real church, and it is still meant to be read among God’s people.

Common questions

Did Paul write Romans himself or use a scribe?

Paul dictated the letter, and a scribe named Tertius wrote it down. Tertius mentions himself in Romans 16:22. This was a common practice in the ancient world.

When was the Book of Romans written?

Most scholars date it to around A.D. 57–58, near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey. It was likely written from Corinth.

Why is Romans considered Paul’s most important letter?

Romans presents the gospel systematically, explaining sin, justification by faith, sanctification, and God’s plan for Israel and the nations. It has shaped Christian theology more than any other letter.

Does Romans claim to be written by Paul?

Yes. Paul identifies himself as the author in Romans 1:1. The early church unanimously accepted it as Paul’s letter.