QuartusKWAR-tuhs

Quartus: A Roman Name in Paul's Greetings

Quartus (pronounced KWAR-tuhs) is a Latin name meaning "fourth." The etymology traces directly to the Roman numeral system—quartus literally refers to the fourth in a sequence. Like many names in the New Testament, it reflects the cultural blend of Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds in the first century.

Where Quartus Appears in Scripture

Quartus appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 16:23. Paul concludes his letter to the Roman church with a series of greetings from various believers: "Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings" (NIV).

This brief mention is the entirety of what Scripture tells us about this individual. He's grouped among Paul's companions in Corinth, where the apostle was likely writing Romans.

Why the Name Matters

Understanding how to pronounce Quartus correctly—KWAR-tuhs—helps Bible readers navigate the closing chapters of Romans with confidence. More importantly, Quartus's inclusion in Paul's greetings reveals something significant about early church life.

The fact that Quartus pronunciation guides us to a person mentioned without title or explanation suggests he held a quiet, perhaps humble role in the Corinthian church. He wasn't an apostle or prominent teacher, yet Paul deemed his greeting worthy of inclusion in a letter to one of the most important churches in the Roman Empire.

Significance for Bible Study

For pastors and Bible teachers, pronouncing Quartus correctly matters when reading Romans aloud or discussing the network of believers surrounding Paul's ministry. His appearance illustrates how the early church was built not only by famous figures but by faithful, lesser-known followers. Quartus reminds us that ordinary believers—those whose names we barely know—were essential to spreading the gospel throughout the Mediterranean world.