II Timothy 4:13

cloak . . . I left--probably obliged to leave it in a hurried departure from Troas. Carpus--a faithful friend to have been entrusted with so precious deposits. The mention of his "cloak," so far from being unworthy of inspiration, is one of those graphic touches which sheds a flood of light on the last scene of Paul's life, on the confines of two worlds; in this wanting a cloak to cover him from the winter cold, in that covered with the righteousness of saints, "clothed upon with his house from heaven" [GAUSSEN]. So the inner vesture and outer garment of Jesus, Paul's master, are suggestive of most instructive thought (Joh 19:2). books--He was anxious respecting these that he might transmit them to the faithful, so that they might have the teaching of his writings when he should be gone. especially the parchments--containing perhaps some of his inspired Epistles themselves.

4:13 Paul’s arrest and transfer to Rome apparently did not allow him to gather his things. • the coat: Winter was coming (4:21). • Carpus might have been Paul’s host in Troas. The reference to Troas implies that Timothy was still in Ephesus and would travel through Troas, a port town. • my books . . . my papers: These writings may have included Scriptures, personal notes, letters addressed to Paul, copies of Paul’s own letters, and other Christian and Jewish materials.