Paul the
apostle listed several men who assisted him in his missionary
journeys as he began to close his final words to Timothy his “dearly
beloved son”. Among them was “Tychicus” whom Paul
sent to Ephesus, and in chapter four and verse thirteen of his
letter, Paul asked Timothy for some practical desires where we read:
The cloke
that I left at Troas with Carpus, when you come,
bring
with you, and the
books, but
especially the parchments.
The
verse begins, “The cloke that I left at
Troas with Carpus, when you come, bring with
you,...” Paul
began with, “The cloke”
which was “a traveling overcoat used for protection against stormy
weather” “that I left”
or “left behind, deserted or forsook” “at
Troas” which means “a Trojan” “with
Carpus” whose name means “fruit” “when
you come” or “show yourself, are
established and become known” “bring with
you” which means “carry or bear up with
you”.
The
verse goes on to say, “...and
the books, but
especially the parchments.” Paul went on to
add, “and the books”
which were “small books, scrolls or written documents” “but”
which is a disassociation conjunction meaning “moreover, in
addition to and” “especially”
or “chiefly, mostly and above all” “the
parchments” which were “dressed skins at
Pergamos” which were used for writing paper.
When
we think about Paul's words, we see the humanity and spiritual
desires he had. A “cloke” or “traveling overcoat” was
important to him, and he knew exactly with whom he left it. He
desired his “coat” more than likely because it was going to be
cooler in temperature where he was. Paul also desired to “read”
“the books” which no doubt were stimulating to him and
“the parchments” were particularly so. This gives us
insight into “practical” ministry and the necessity for
“spiritual” enhancements. We also should understand the
practicality of living while understanding the importance of our
spiritual nourishment. Paul set forth the example. Timothy fulfilled
his desire, and may the Lord Jesus help us to know how important each
of these are in our lives as well.
Next
time Paul shares about “Alexander the coppersmith”, so
read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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