The Books, But Especially the Parchments

Paul the aged was coming to the end of his walk upon this earth. He was in prison in Rome. The hour of his departure was near, but in his last epistle he requests from the young preacher, his protégé, Timothy, “The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.” (II Tim. 4:13.) Though he desired earnestly to see his friend Timothy, he also was in need of these items. In the dark, dank dungeon the cloak, a traveling coat worn in stormy weather, would warm his body; the books and the parchments would warm his soul. This passing statement by the apostle Paul demonstrates his avidity to read, even as he neared death. We too, should capture his enthusiasm of reading, especially the reading of the greatest of all books, the Bible.

Please observe a couple of interesting words in Paul’s statement. The root word for “books” as found in the above mentioned text is translated from a Greek word (biblos) which originally meant “the inner bark or rind of the papyrus, which was anciently used instead of paper; hence, a written volume, or roll, book, catalogue, account, Mat.1:1; Mark 12:26, et al.” (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, p. 70.) Paul wanted his books, but he especially wanted the parchments. “Parchments” translates a Greek word (membrana) which was animal skins of sheep, calves, goats, and antelope prepared for writing purposes. The word “vellum,” which is sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably with “parchment,” was the best quality of extra-thin parchment. “The word parchment…is derived from the name Pergamum, a city of Asia Minor that became important as a center of parchment production.” (Wegner’s The Journey from Texts to Translations, p. 95.)

We should all spend time reading the Bible. In the days of Nehemiah the law was read: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” (Neh. 8:8). In another place Paul said to Timothy, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (1 Tim. 4:13.) Even though the original word carries the idea of public reading, one cannot be a good reader publicly unless he spends time reading privately. The words of Isaiah need to be repeated and practiced today: “Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read.” (Isa. 34:16.) Jesus asked the Pharisees on one occasion, “Have ye not read…?” (Matt. 19:4.) Of a lawyer Jesus asked, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (Luke 10:26.)

The word of God must be read and studied the most. If we do not have time to read any other book, let us take time to meditate upon God’s word. Let it come before the newspaper. Let us delight in it (Psa. 1:2). Let us love it as the Psalmist said, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (Psa. 119:97.) There is value in other books, but the greatest book is the Bible. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psa. 119:105). Its entrance into our hearts will give us light and understanding (Psa. 119:130). In the waning days of Judah the weeping prophet, Jeremiah, wrote, “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” (Jer. 23:29.) Read the Bible for it is inspired of God. It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. It will make us complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17). If it becomes a part of us, it will save our souls (James 1:21). It is the mirror of our lives, showing us our shortcomings and where improvements can be made (James 1:23-25).

There are many worthless books on the market. Of making and selling them there is no end. Do not waste your money or your time buying and reading them. This is true even when it comes to religious books. There are many religious books, even some put out by brethren, that are shallow, slanted and, in some cases, outright false. Whatever you read, use your Berean eye and ear (Acts 17:11); that is, read discerningly. Accept what is true; reject what is false. Let the Bible, in particular the New Testament, be your standard.

The church receives Seek the Old Paths, Living Oracles, Banner of Truth, and several other papers from time to time. We also have our own bulletin, The Informer, for your consumption. You would expand your knowledge of the Bible and what is going on in the church if you would take the time to read them. It is the duty of every Christian to be watchful (1 Peter 5:8; Mark 13:37).

Others have seen the value of good books and reading. Cicero said that a room without a book is like a person without a soul. Thomas Jefferson said, “I cannot live without books.” Thomas Carlyle wrote, “All that mankind has done, thought, gained or been: it is lying as in magic preservation in the pages of books.” Desiderius Erasmus said, “When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes.” Walt Disney said, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island…” Longfellow penned these words, “The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books,” as a reason for reading. “A good book is the best of friends, the same today and forever,” said Martin Farquhar Tupper. Robert Southey wrote, “Talk of the happiness of getting a prize in the lottery! What is that to the opening of a box of books.”

Before J.W. McGarvey left for his three month journey of the Bible lands, he went in and said goodbye to his books. He wrote:

I had already been up-stairs in my library to take a last look there, and as I gazed upon the rows of familiar books I said within myself, “Good-by, my dear old friends; and if I never see you again, God bless you for the good you have done me and the happy hours we have spent together.

When I first came to work here, W. L. Totty would come into my office and look at my books and say, “The river of knowledge flows through books.” Indeed it does. Why not read the Bible regularly and expand your knowledge?

The Informer

Vol. 56 No. 19

March 9, 2003