Bring My Coat, and My Books, and Something to Write On

Tucked into Paul’s final letter is a simple request: “When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13).

It reads like a footnote—nothing spiritual at first glance. But when we sit with it, it says something real. Paul wasn’t just cold. He wasn’t just bored. He was still reaching for purpose.

He asked for his coat. He was human. A man who had traveled the world with the gospel was now stuck in a cold cell, near the end of his life. Ministry doesn’t always look like a stage or a crowd. Sometimes it looks like asking for a coat.

He asked for his books. Paul never stopped feeding his soul. He had taught the churches, trained up leaders, written letters that we now call Scripture. But even with all that, he still longed for truth. Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your Law.” That was Paul. Still hungry for God’s Word, even in prison.

And he asked for parchment. Something to write on. That might be the part that hits hardest. He wasn’t done. He knew the end was near, but he still had words to speak. He was still listening to the Spirit. Still ready to encourage. Still willing to write.

Isaiah 50:4 says, “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, so that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.” Paul had that kind of heart. Even in chains, he was thinking of others.

Most of us wait for perfect conditions before we serve. But Paul didn’t. He served cold, tired, and forgotten. He didn’t need a crowd—he needed a coat, some books, and something to write on.

There’s a kind of holiness in that. The kind that shows up in simple obedience. In quiet moments. In faith that keeps going, even when the fire feels like just a flicker.

Let’s not overlook the ordinary. God doesn’t.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)