2 Timothy 4:9-15
Bring the Cloak and the Parchments
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9Make every effort to come to me quickly,
10because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.
12Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus.
13When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
15You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul asks Timothy to come quickly. Demas has deserted him because he loves this world, while Crescens has gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. Paul has sent Tychicus to Ephesus. These departures are not all described in the same way; Demas alone is named here as deserting him for love of the world.
Only Luke is with Paul, and Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark because he is useful for ministry. Acts records an earlier sharp disagreement when Paul would not take Mark along after his departure from their work. Now Paul values his help. The texts do not explain every step between those moments, but Mark's earlier failure has not become the final description of his service.
Paul also asks for the cloak left with Carpus at Troas and for his scrolls, especially the parchments. Hope in Christ's coming has not made companionship, clothing or written materials irrelevant. A servant of the gospel can name ordinary needs and ask others to help.
Alexander the coppersmith has done Paul great harm and strongly opposed the message. Paul warns Timothy to beware of him and entrusts repayment to the Lord. He combines a practical warning with confidence in God's judgment, rather than asking Timothy to take revenge.
How We Know
Acts 15:37–39 records Paul's refusal to take Mark after his earlier departure; here Paul calls him useful. Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24 name Demas among Paul's companions or fellow workers; here he has deserted Paul. These accounts preserve different moments in the men's service without explaining all that happened between them.
Questions
1 Why does Paul say Demas has deserted him?
AnswerDemas has loved this world and gone to Thessalonica. Paul does not give that same reason for the other departures he names.
2 Why does Paul want Timothy to bring Mark?
AnswerMark is useful to him in the ministry. Paul now welcomes the help of someone he had earlier refused to take along.
3 What personal items does Paul request?
AnswerHe asks for the cloak left with Carpus at Troas and his scrolls, especially the parchments, alongside his request for companionship.
4 How does Paul respond to Alexander's harm?
AnswerHe warns Timothy to be careful of Alexander and says the Lord will repay him. Practical caution belongs with entrusting judgment to God.
What This Means for Us
Do not let an old failure become your only description of someone. Look honestly for repentance and useful service, and be willing to recognize growth.
Offer practical help to someone carrying ministry responsibilities. A visit, a needed item or assistance with a task can matter alongside prayer. Where someone poses a real danger, give a truthful warning without turning it into revenge.
Prayer
Father, give us eyes to recognize growth and willingness to meet ordinary needs. Protect those harmed by opposition, keep us from revenge and help us serve one another faithfully. Amen.