In the previous verses, Paul listed three people, two in a positive light, but one that is not so positive. In this week’s passage, Paul lists a few more people, and requests that Timothy bring him a couple of items.
Look at his remarks in 2 Timothy 4:11-13:
In the previous verses, Paul listed Titus and Crescens as helpful colleagues in his work. Each of these had gone on to other places, serving and ministering, leaving Paul feeling quite alone. However, he isn’t completely on his own. He still has at least one person with him, and the expectation of more to come.
Paul senses that his time serving Christ on earth is coming to a close. But this does not stop him from continuing his ministry. This is notable. Even though his death is near, he still sees opportunity to serve his Lord, and does so. Much of this takes the form of passing on vital instructions to those who will continue to carry the torch. But I’m sure, knowing what we know of Paul from his writings, he still preached and shared the message of the gospel to all those around him, including his captors.
After all, “to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). Death would usher him into the presence of God, but until then, there was work to be done.
Luke
Luke is the author of the gospel that bears his name, and the book of Acts. There are several portions in Acts where the pronoun “we” is used frequently. In most of these occurrences, Luke is traveling with Paul on his missionary journeys. He apparently had a close relationship with Paul, and was referred to as “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14). Of all of Paul’s co-workers, Luke is the only one still by his side at this point. He is probably not in prison with Paul, but nearby, able to continue to meet Paul’s immediate needs and spreading the message to others.
Mark
The inclusion of John Mark here is an incredible testimony to God’s work of reconciliation in our lives. Paul and Barnabas previously split up and went different directions due to John Mark’s lack of maturity (Acts 15:37-41). But now, and in Colossians 4:10, John Mark has become an indispensable part of Paul’s inner circle. Whatever poor decisions John Mark had made earlier in life, leading to Paul’s disapproval, have been forgiven. John Mark has “grown up” and Paul has formed a new opinion of his abilities to be a part of his ministry efforts.
Tychicus
Tychicus is listed in several of Paul’s letters, always as a trusted friend and helper (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; Titus 3:12). Here, Paul states that he has sent Tychicus to Ephesus to deliver this letter and probably to replace Timothy there, freeing him to come to Paul.
Reed from his work in Ephesus, Timothy is to come to Paul with haste, as indicated in verse nine. But, in the process of that, he is to bring a couple of items with him. These are things that Paul has need of, and since Timothy is coming, he makes the request for him to bring these along.
The cloak at Troas
Paul had apparently left a few things behind at the house of Carpus, in Troas. Paul may have been arrested there, or possibly in Miletus (verse 20). Either way, he may have been forced to leave behind some things that he now needs. As a prisoner in a damp and cold prison cell, Paul could use his cloak. This was probably a heavy woolen traveler’s garment, and would provide warmth and protection for Paul.
The scrolls and parchments
There has been some debate about these items. Are they two different classes of items, scrolls and parchments? Or are the parchments a specific portion of the broader collection Paul needs? Either is possible. And what did they contain? The may have been copies of the Scriptures, including some of the sayings of Jesus. Or they may have been some of Paul’s own writings. Perhaps they were some of Paul’s legal papers, possibly his certificate of Roman citizenship.
Paul is in prison, alone, aged, and facing trial and execution. Those things that would bring him the most comfort would be his Savior, his friends, and his books and writings. Many of us have the same inclinations. When times get tough, we draw closer to us those things that are of utmost importance.
We seek the things that would bring us the most comfort. Paul’s requests display his humanity, and his fear of what may come. Though he knew that his death would result in his entrance into the kingdom of heaven, the questions of when and how that would occur would have weighed heavily upon his heart. He wanted those things in which he could take the greatest comfort in the meantime.
And even though he seems to be nervous about the events that are about to unfold, his confidence in the Lord is just as strong as ever, as the coming verses will show.
Question: When things aren’t going right in your life, who or what do you turn to for comfort? You can leave a comment by clicking here.