2 Timothy 4:13 The Parchments

2 Timothy 4:13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

Paul is in prison at this point, of course, and near the end of his life. Nevertheless he is in need of certain things. He mentions two things here. He wants his cloak. He knew that the winter (see verse 21) would be cold and so the cloak (that is probably what he is asking for here; some suggest a bag) the one he left with Carpus at Troas would be useful. (We know nothing about Carpus of Troas except what is in this verse). As an apostle, Paul suffered many deprivations but he never deliberately made things difficult for himself in the manner of an ascetic. He owned a cloak and he was happy to make use of it when he could. No minister has to deny himself comfort if that is going to help him in his ministry - a home, some warmth, good clothes, a comfortable chair. Paul's other concern here is for his books - or as was more common then, scrolls. Paul knew a great deal and had a brilliant mind that could retain far more than most of us today. Nevertheless, all his life he continued to read in order to grow in knowledge and to refresh his memory. All ministers should do the same. The reference to the parchments is perhaps to his own writings or notes or to manuscript Scriptures. Certainly a minister will do a lot of writing and he must be a man chiefly of one book, the Word of God, whatever else he reads.