Hopeful. 2 Timothy 4:13-15.
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.
Dear People Belonging to God,
Despite the looming gloom, Paul not only desires to see Timothy, but he is also confident that Timothy will come, so he makes requests for some things he has need of.
Cares (v. 13). Paul asks for two things: his cloak, most probably because Winter was approaching and he needed it for warmth, and his books. Of the books, he desires especially the parchments. These were scrolls made from sheep’s leather. Because the sheep was considered a clean animal, parchment was used mainly for copying the Old Testament. In other words, Paul is asking Timothy to bring his scrolls of the scriptures. Paul is about to be executed. What he asks for at this time is a good pointer to what is most dear to him.
Condemnation (v. 14).Paul mentions Alexander in his earlier letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:20). It may be this Alexander, a likely resident of Ephesus, or it could be someone in Troas, where Timothy was to pass, in order to get Paul’s cloak. Paul simply states that the matter of Alexander is in God’s hands and he will repay. There can be no greater condemnation!
Caution (v. 15).Paul warns Timothy concerning this Alexander. Having opposed the message preached by Paul, he is likely to oppose those of like faith as Paul, and Timothy is one such. Paul is not encouraging Timothy to be quiet and not preach the gospel, but to avoid confrontation with a known opponent of the gospel, if possible. It is a call to wisdom. We must proclaim the good news but also be sensitive to the attitudes around us.
Your Loving Pastor Chris