2 Timothy 4:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.

NIV: When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

NASB: When you come, bring the overcoat which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.

CSB: When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.

NLT: When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

KJV: The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

NKJV: Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

In verse 12, Paul has noted that another believer, Tychicus, has been sent to Ephesus. This is where Timothy is currently stationed. Paul assumes Timothy will come to him immediately, probably leaving Tychicus there as a temporary substitute.

Paul's request for a cloak was not only personal, but practical. The weather would soon be cold (2 Timothy 4:21).

Carpus was likely a believer in Troas. Paul had been there in the past on two mentioned occasions (Acts 16 and 20) and apparently a third time prior to his second Roman imprisonment.

In addition to a cloak, Paul had left two other items in the possession of Carpus: scrolls and parchments. The scrolls may have been Old Testament scrolls or the Torah or other books, though this is uncertain. The parchments were flat, book-like materials, used for writing. These were either parchments already written upon or perhaps referred to blank parchment Paul wanted for writing new materials. Even during imprisonment, and facing the end of his own life, Paul is still emphasizing the importance of reading and studying the Word of God.

Second Timothy 4:9–18 updates Timothy on Paul's ministry partners, as well as his antagonists. Some of Paul's friends have been sent out on missionary causes. Others, such as Demas, have turned their back on Paul and abandoned him. Only Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, is still with him. Paul specifically warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith. Paul knows full well that he will not survive this trip through the Roman legal system. Rather than despair, he still rejoices in his salvation and praises God.

Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.