Parchments
What Were Parchments?
Parchments were writing surfaces prepared from the skins of sheep, goats, or calves. The skins were cleaned, stretched, and scraped to create a smooth, durable surface suitable for writing. Unlike papyrus, which was made from plant fibers and deteriorated more quickly, parchment was remarkably long-lasting and could be written on both sides. The Greek word used in 2 Timothy 4:13 is membranai, from the Latin membrana, indicating prepared animal skins.
Parchment production was traditionally associated with the city of Pergamum in Asia Minor, from which the English word "parchment" is derived. By the first century AD, parchment was widely used alongside papyrus throughout the Roman Empire, though it was generally more expensive.
Paul's Request to Timothy
The only explicit mention of parchments in the New Testament comes in Paul's second letter to Timothy, written during his final imprisonment in Rome. Paul asks Timothy to come to him and to bring "the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments" (2 Timothy 4:13). The urgency of this request — "above all the parchments" — indicates that these materials held special importance for the apostle.
The fact that Paul left these items at Troas with a man named Carpus suggests his final arrest may have been sudden, leaving him no time to gather his belongings.
What Did the Parchments Contain?
Scholars have long debated what Paul's parchments contained. "The books" likely referred to papyrus scrolls, possibly portions of the Old Testament Scriptures or other literary works. The parchments, distinguished from the books, may have been Paul's personal notebooks — records of his observations, study notes, or perhaps even drafts of his letters.
Various theories have been proposed: that they contained copies of Old Testament texts in Greek, that they were Paul's proof of Roman citizenship, that they held early accounts of Jesus' life and teaching, or that they were commonplace books where Paul recorded insights from years of study and ministry. Whatever their contents, they were precious enough that Paul wanted them even as he faced death.
Writing Materials in the Biblical World
The Bible reflects the full range of ancient writing materials. Stone tablets bore the Ten Commandments (Exodus 31:18). Clay tablets were used throughout Mesopotamia. Papyrus, made from the pith of the papyrus plant grown in Egypt, was the most common writing material in the Greco-Roman world. Parchment offered greater durability and eventually became the preferred material for biblical manuscripts.
The transition from papyrus scrolls to parchment codices (bound books) occurred during the early centuries of Christianity. Early Christians showed a marked preference for the codex format, which may have begun with the kind of parchment notebooks Paul requested. The great biblical manuscripts that survive today — Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, and others — are written on parchment.
The Value of the Written Word
Paul's request reveals a man who, even facing execution, valued the written word. This is consistent with his ministry of writing — his letters make up a significant portion of the New Testament. His desire for his books and parchments in prison echoes the broader biblical emphasis on the importance of preserving and studying God's word. Timothy himself had been commended for knowing the sacred writings from childhood (2 Timothy 3:15), and Paul urged him to give attention to reading and teaching (1 Timothy 4:13).
Biblical Context
Parchments are mentioned only in 2 Timothy 4:13, Paul's final letter, written during his imprisonment in Rome. The broader context of 2 Timothy is Paul's farewell instruction to his spiritual son, including warnings about false teaching and encouragement to remain faithful. Paul's emphasis on his books and parchments fits with his lifelong devotion to Scripture and connects to his instruction in 2 Timothy 3:14-17 about the sufficiency and inspiration of Scripture.
Theological Significance
Paul's request for his parchments reveals the deep connection between Christian faith and the written word. Even in his final days, the apostle who received direct revelation from Christ still valued study, reading, and written records. This models the priority that Scripture and careful study should hold in the life of faith. The preservation of written texts, from Paul's personal parchments to the great biblical manuscripts, reflects God's providential care for his word across the centuries.
Historical Background
Parchment production dates back to at least the second century BC, with tradition associating its development with the library at Pergamum. In the Roman Empire, parchment was used for official documents, notebooks, and literary works. Papyrus remained dominant for everyday correspondence and commercial records. The early Christian preference for the codex (book) format over the scroll has been documented by scholars like Colin Roberts and T.C. Skeat. The earliest surviving parchment manuscripts of New Testament texts date to the third and fourth centuries AD.