Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Timothy 4:9-13

"Give diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering. But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus. The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments." — 2 Timothy 4:9-13 (ASV)

The love of this world is often the cause of turning back from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. Paul was guided by Divine inspiration, yet he still valued his books. As long as we live, we must still learn.

The apostles likewise did not neglect human means, whether for seeking the necessities of life or for their own instruction. Let us therefore thank the Divine goodness for having given us so many writings of wise and pious men in all ages; and let us seek that by reading them our progress may be evident to all.