Carpus
“Fruit”
Summary
A Christian at Troas with whom Paul left his cloak, books, and parchments, mentioned only in 2 Timothy 4:13.
☩Biblical Reference
Carpus is mentioned only once in Scripture, in 2 Timothy 4:13, where Paul writes from his Roman prison: 'The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.' The apostle's request for these items during his bitter second imprisonment reveals both his practical needs and his continued devotion to study even facing death.
☩His Relationship with Paul
The mention of Carpus indicates that Paul must have been well acquainted with his family. He was presumably one of Paul's converts and must have lodged with the apostle at some point. Paul had considerable confidence in him, entrusting to his care not only the comparatively valueless cloak, but especially the precious books and parchments. Some scholars suggest Paul may have been arrested in Troas and compelled to leave these articles behind with Carpus.
☩Later Tradition
Nothing further is known with certainty about Carpus, though his Greek name gives no indication of his nationality. Later tradition counted him among 'the Seventy' disciples. Both Hippolytus and Dorotheus include his name in their lists of the Seventy and report that he became bishop of Berytus or Beroea in Thrace. The Greek Church commemorates his memory on May 26, while the Roman and Syrian Churches honor him on October 13.
Related Verses1 mention
2 Timothy· 1 verse
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Carpus," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Carpus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Carpus," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).