Paul's Cloak

This short but interesting piece was written by Wayne Jackson. It is copied here from the Christian Courier of December, 1980. The paper was published monthly by the East Main Street Church of Christ in Stockton, California and was edited by Jackson.

From a dungeon cell in Rome shortly before his death, Paul urged Timothy to, "come shortly to me." In connection therewith, the apostle requested that his young companion bring, "the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus..." (Second Timothy 4:9, 13). The cloak was a kind of blanket of coarse wool that was used as an outer garment to protect against the cold and the rain. It had a hole in the middle for the head to pass through. There were no sleeves. Some critics of the Bible have charged that seemingly insignificant references such as this, militate against the concept of the verbal inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. It is alleged that this request merely reflects a personal desire of Paul and nothing more. What a dull, superficial view! Consider the following.

1. Why did Paul leave his cloak in Troas? Was he forced to flee without time for obtaining it? Is this another hint of the apostle's persecution in his declining years? Possibly.

2. This is another commentary on the sacrificial poverty of him who was willing to spend and be spent in the cause of Jesus. Think of it, winter approaching (vs. 21) and the apostle's cloak is almost a thousand miles away! But Paul was no stranger to, "cold and nakedness" (Second Corinthians 11:27).

3. And where are the saints of Rome during this time of Paul's physical need? Where are those enthusiastic Christians who had rushed out of Rome years earlier to meet the tireless preacher as he approached the eternal city (cf. Acts 28:15)? Had many of them been scattered by persecution? Had some turned against Paul (cf. Philippians 1:15017)? At his first defense no one took his part; all forsook him and even now only Luke is with him (vs. 11, 16). Brethren can change, love can wax cold!

4. The passage is revealing of the fortitude and independence of the magnificent Paul. No word of complaining or whimpering from his courageous lips. No brow beating of neglectful brethren and no pitiful solicitation from others is evidenced here. Oh, what a man!

Let it never be said therefore, that this or any other passage is trite or meaningless. Such hollow criticisms come only from infidels who never burden their brains with intelligent investigation of the facts. There's not a single insignificant syllable in the Bible!