Carpus is a Greek personal name that carries the idea of “fruit” or “fruitfulness.” In Scripture the name appears once, identifying a believer in Troas who was trusted by the Apostle Paul.

Appearance in Scripture

2 Timothy 4:13 records Paul’s request: “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments”. The mention is brief, yet it occurs in a pastoral letter written during Paul’s final imprisonment, when every word is deliberate and significant.

Historical Background

Troas was the principal harbor on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor. Paul passed through the city several times (Acts 16:8-11; Acts 20:5-12), and it served as a strategic hub for travel between Asia and Macedonia. Because Christians faced periodic hostility, lodging a missionary could be costly. Carpus evidently opened his home to Paul during a previous visit, and Paul felt confident in entrusting valuable personal items to him.

Ministry Context and Character

Paul’s cloak would have provided warmth in a damp Roman cell; the scrolls and parchments likely contained copies of the Hebrew Scriptures and Paul’s own writings. By safeguarding these items, Carpus showed:
• Stewardship—he protected resources critical to the advance of the gospel.
• Reliability—Paul, facing martyrdom, singled out only a handful of people for specific tasks; Carpus was one of them.
• Hospitality—consistent with exhortations such as Romans 12:13 and Hebrews 13:2, he welcomed a traveling minister and met practical needs.

Lessons for the Church

1. Everyday service matters. Carpus is remembered not for public preaching but for faithfulness in ordinary duties that furthered Scripture’s preservation.
2. Trusted relationships sustain ministry. Paul’s dependence on Carpus illustrates the interdependence of believers, especially in times of trial.
3. Material care supports spiritual work. Providing lodging, clothing, or books can directly influence the spread of the Word (compare 3 John 6-8).

Church Tradition and Legacy

Early Christian writers identify Carpus as one of the Seventy disciples sent out by the Lord (Luke 10:1) and later as bishop of Beroea in Macedonia. While these traditions cannot be verified from Scripture, they attest to an enduring reputation of faithful service. The Eastern Church commemorates Carpus on May 26, reflecting the long-standing esteem in which he has been held.

In summary, Carpus stands as a model of dependable, behind-the-scenes ministry, demonstrating how quiet acts of stewardship can bear lasting fruit for the gospel.