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

Interesting points:
1. Like the preceding verses, this verse sheds some light on Paul’s priorities in the face of an impending death with an indeterminable date for execution. Even so, from 2 Timothy 4:21 we can surmise that winter was quickly approaching so his request for a cloak addressed a practical physical concern with the scrolls and parchments tied to the work he was still determined to accomplish.

2. We know from Acts 16 and 20 that Paul had visited Troas on at least two occasions where Carpus was likely a believer. At some time prior to his second imprisonment in Rome, Paul apparently visited the city, leaving his cloak, scrolls and parchment in Carpus’ care.

3. The scrolls may have been the Torah or other Old Testament scriptures, but the parchments were flat, book-like materials, used for writing. Given that parchment was readily accessible in Rome, Paul most likely wanted the notes or drafts he left behind to explain and pass on to Luke, Mark, Timothy or for finalizing letters he still intended to send out.

Application.
Brothers, what an amazing example Paul set for us. Even facing the end of his life while imprisoned, Paul’s priorities emphasized the importance of reading, studying, and applying the Word of God in life – not only for the remaining few weeks or months of his own life, but also for application in the lives of others.

Each of us would do well to discipline ourselves to read, study and apply the Word. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Paul firmly understood the benefits of such spiritual discipline, demonstrated by his practical requests for the scrolls and parchments. May we too learn to value the Word in such a way that we long to get into it for the harvest of righteousness it produces in us. And like Paul, those who are spiritually mature and have learned to resist temptation through God’s grace and transforming hand in their lives, have a role to play in instilling these truths in those following in our footsteps.