“And there accompanied him into Asia … of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus” (Acts 20:4).

“I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord” (Romans 16:22).

“Erastus … saluteth you, and Quartus a brother” (Romans 16:23).

Names that are recorded for us in the Bible often have real significance, for in most cases those names have meanings. Here we have three names that are not directly connected with each other, yet have a meaning for us.

The three names that I would like to notice here are Secundus, Tertius, and Quartus. These names may not mean much to you, but they are Latin, or Roman, names. I doubt if any of you have studied Latin at school, but when my wife and I attended high school, Latin was offered as a subject for us to study, and both of us decided to take it as an option. (We did not really know each other back then, so we did not make this decision together!) We have both been glad that we took Latin, for about 50% of the English language is derived from Latin words.

The word “Secundus” means second, the word “Tertius” means third, and the word “Quartus” means fourth. Why would people have been given names like this?

It is probable that all these men were originally slaves, although at least Secundus must have obtained his liberty at some time. Otherwise he would not have been able to travel with the Apostle Paul. But when these men were slaves, their masters probably did not bother to give them interesting names, but simply called them second, third, or fourth, perhaps as they were acquired as slaves.

How wonderful that these three men had heard the gospel, accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior, and are now recorded in the Word of God! Each one receives special mention. Their names were written in the book of life, and they served the Lord in whatever way they could. Tertius was even used to write the epistle to the Romans. He must have been an educated man, and could take dictation from Paul, and write it down.

However, there is something else interesting here. We have the names which mean second, third, and fourth, but no name that means “first.” If there had been a slave with the name which means “first,” it would have been “Primus.” But we do not find any such name recorded in the Bible. It is quite possible that a slave was named “Primus” at some point, and perhaps even one that was saved, but if so, his name is not recorded. Could it be that the Lord wanted only the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to be first? Surely He must have the highest place, and there can be none greater than He. I am sure that this is the reason that there is no “Primus.” The Spirit of God, that inspired the Holy Scriptures, carefully guards the Person of Christ, and gives Him the first place.