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Paul’s opening command reflects a note of urgency concerning his need for Timothy. On do your best, see 2:15. The remaining verses add to the mood of pathos and somberness as we see Paul’s companions involved elsewhere. Some, like Demas, have deserted because they loved this world (Gk., “the now age”), while others like Crescens and Titus and Tychicus have been assigned elsewhere (vv.10-12). Demas is one of Paul’s companions in Col 4:14. Crescens is not found elsewhere in the NT. Galatia is in Asia Minor. For more on the introduction to Titus see Titus: Introduction. Dalmatia is in modern-day Albania. Tychicus was a carrier of letters (see Eph 6:21; Col 4:7-8) and may have carried this letter. Perhaps he is to relieve Timothy so he can come to Paul. Only Luke (Col 4:14) is still with Paul. Mark is probably the same man over whom Paul and Barnabas quarreled (Ac 15:37-40; Col 4:10). If so, there has been reconciliation.
When you come is not conditional, but rather, “as you come” (4:13). The reference to cloak, scrolls, and parchments lends a very personal authentic tone. A cloak is a durable, heavy woolen outer garment. Scrolls are rolled papyri, a reedlike plant that is split, layered, and pressed to form writing material. Parchments are animal hides, tanned for writing. They were expensive and hence infrequently used at this time. Whatever was on the parchments (suggestions range from Paul’s citizenship to the Gospels), this reference, along with the scrolls, indicates Paul’s literary interests and the importance of these materials to him. Troas was a major port in Asia Minor (see Ac 16:8).