2 Timothy 4:13

The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.

The cloak ... White declared that the word thus rendered is from the Latin paenula, "meaning a circular cape which fell down below the knees, with an opening for the head in the center."[20] Hendriksen also mentioned the same facts, adding that "It had no sleeves," and that in Latin, "this is the usual, although not the only meaning of the word."[21] It would appear from this that it somewhat resembled the poncho, even today observed in south Texas and Mexico. The cold of Roman nights, even in summer, is well known; and Paul's prospect of possibly spending the winter in a dungeon without heating or proper clothing was indeed a chilling one. Gould added the information that this poncho type of garment "is still worn in many parts of the world."[22]

That I left at Troas with Carpus ... Nothing more is known of Carpus; and, as to why Paul left the cloak at Troas, we simply do not know. Some have speculated that Paul was arrested there and transported to Rome without being given a chance to gather his personal things together; but Lenski denominated this theory as so highly improbable that it should be rejected.

And the books, especially the parchments ... It is impossible to identify these. Perhaps the most plausible is the view that Paul might have wanted copies of the Septuagint (LXX) to use in his plea regarding the legitimacy of the Christian religion, but such a thesis fails to be convincing. It is not even known if "the parchments" means materials that Paul would need in writing letters, or if valuable written documents already in existence are meant. There are so many questions which insist themselves upon the inquisitive mind as these poignant words are read, but only the silence of centuries answers us.

[20] Ibid., p. 180.

[21] William Hendriksen, op. cit., p. 322.

[22] J. Glenn Gould, Beacon Bible Commentary, Vol. IX (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1969), p. 658.