Carpus: A Christian at Troas
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Carpus is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy. Despite the brevity of his mention, Carpus holds significance as a trusted associate of Paul during his missionary journeys.

Biblical Reference

Carpus is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:13, where Paul writes, "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments" . This verse provides the sole biblical reference to Carpus, yet it offers insight into his role and the trust Paul placed in him.

Role and Significance

Carpus is identified as a Christian residing in Troas, a city located in the northwest region of Asia Minor, near the ancient city of Troy. Troas was a significant location for early Christian activity and served as a strategic point for Paul's missionary work. The fact that Paul left his cloak and important documents with Carpus suggests a relationship of trust and reliability. It indicates that Carpus was a faithful steward of Paul's possessions, which were likely essential for his ministry and personal well-being.

Historical and Theological Context

The mention of Carpus in 2 Timothy is set against the backdrop of Paul's final imprisonment in Rome. During this time, Paul was facing imminent execution and was writing to Timothy, his beloved disciple, to encourage him and provide final instructions. The request for the cloak and parchments highlights Paul's practical needs and his continued dedication to study and writing, even in the face of death.

Carpus's role, though minor in the biblical narrative, underscores the importance of the early Christian network. Individuals like Carpus provided essential support to the apostles and early church leaders, facilitating the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of Christian communities.

Tradition and Legacy

While the Bible does not provide further details about Carpus's life or ministry, early Christian tradition holds that he continued to serve faithfully in Troas. Some traditions suggest that he may have been a leader or elder in the local church, contributing to the growth and stability of the Christian community there.

Carpus's mention in Scripture, though brief, serves as a reminder of the many unsung heroes of the early church. His faithfulness in a seemingly small task reflects the broader theme of Christian service and the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. Through individuals like Carpus, the early church was able to thrive and expand, laying the foundation for future generations of believers.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Timothy 4:13
The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when you come, bring with you, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
2591. Karpos -- Carpus, a Christian
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Karpos Phonetic Spelling:
(kar'-pos) Short Definition: Carpus Definition: Carpus, a Christian of Troas. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2591.htm - 6k
Library

Paul's Second Imprisonment, and Martyrdom; Peter, his Epistles ...
... by Corinth, [155:1] Philippi, [155:2] and Troas, [155:3] where he left for the use
of Carpus the case with ... he wrote those words so full of Christian faith and ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter x pauls second imprisonment.htm

Letter vii. You are Now, My Dear Friend, in Possession of My Whole ...
... But I do my best, when I say that no Christian probationer, who is earnestly working
out his salvation, and ... Paul's CLOAK LEFT AT TROAS WITH CARPUS, or a ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter vii you are now.htm

The Holy Family in Bethlehem after the Departure of the Kings.
... in later years were used at the first Christian religious services ... events there is
no documentary record, unless Carpus in Crete ... Paul's friend at Troas ( II Tim ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiv the holy family in.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... Ephesus. The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring
with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.". ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ...
... The Phaenolion."This word is translated cloke in I. Tim., iv.13, and as a vestment
represents the garment which Paul left at Troas with Carpus. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the holy eastern church/iii.htm

Philippians ii. 19-21
... Our answer to the heretic is easy, but what shall we say to the Christian? ... him orders
too and says, "The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus bring when ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm

Book iii.
... You do not speak with Christian simplicity, but entangle me in some fine ... he wrote
[5294] "the coat (or cloak) that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... Ammonius, the Neo-Platonist, [171]265, [172]266. Ammonius, a Christian writer,
[173]266, [174]267. Ammonius, a martyr, [175]334. ... Carpus, a martyr, [571]193. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm

Resources
Carpus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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