Daily Devotions
2 Timothy
"Especially the parchments."
Text: 2 Timothy 4:13
SOME SPECIAL PERSONAL EFFECTS
Paul went on to update Timothy concerning Tychicus. He wrote also to express concern about some personal effects.
“And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come-
and the books, especially the parchments.”
2 Timothy 4:12-13
1. “Tychichus I have sent to Ephesus”
a) Paul had sent Timothy to minister in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3).
b) He had asked Timothy to come and see him in Rome (2 Timothy 4:9).
c) Tychichus would be sent to minister at Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12).
d) Timothy need not worry if he has to leave Ephesus to see Paul in Rome.
e) Paul was ever the faithful apostle of the Lord.
2. Special personal effects
a) “Bring the cloak”
i) This cloak had been left behind with Carpus at Troas.
ii) It was likely that Paul felt cold in the prison at Rome.
iii) The prison cells were often underground and cold.
iv) Prisoners were not given blankets to keep them warm.
v) If they needed anything they would have to find their own means to obtain them.
b) “Carpus”
We do not have knowledge as to who he was.
c) “When you come”
i) Paul was confident that Timothy would respond to his request.
ii) He trusted that Timothy loved him dearly and would respond appropriately.
d) “And the books”
i) There were books in the days of the Apostle Paul.
ii) Books were all hand-bound.
e) “Especially the parchments”
These were made of animal skins. They were very costly. Paul was ever the “eternal scholar”. He wanted to spend his time reading. Nothing was better than good company and good books! (These were probably Scripture portions.)