In the Bible, the towel is mentioned in contexts that highlight service, humility, and practical use. The most notable reference to a towel is found in the New Testament, during the account of Jesus washing His disciples' feet.

John 13:4-5 : "So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel that was around Him."

This passage is significant as it illustrates Jesus' humility and His role as a servant leader. By using a towel to dry the feet of His disciples, Jesus set an example of love and service, teaching His followers to serve one another selflessly. The act of washing feet was typically performed by the lowest servant in a household, and Jesus' willingness to perform this task demonstrated His message that greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in serving others.

The use of a towel in this context also symbolizes cleansing and preparation. In biblical times, washing feet was a necessary act of hospitality, especially in a culture where people walked long distances on dusty roads. By washing the disciples' feet, Jesus not only provided physical cleansing but also symbolized spiritual purification and readiness for the work ahead.

The towel, therefore, becomes a symbol of servitude and humility, reminding believers of the call to serve others in love and humility, following the example set by Christ. This act of service is a powerful reminder of the Christian call to love one another and to serve selflessly, reflecting the character of Jesus in everyday life.John 13:4,5
He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
Nave's Topical Index

Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ...
... own inventions, to strain and wrest the scriptures to tie ... For though in a general
way, as every religious ... laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and girded ...
/.../proposition xiii concerning the communion.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... two divisions of this chapter,"I. A general discussion of ... to the latter, that of
reading the Scriptures for the ... when, girding himself with a towel, he washed ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

Letter ii. --For 330. Easter-Day xxiv Pharmuthi; xiii Kal. Mai ...
... gospel words, and reckon as a general commandment that ... basin, and girded Himself
with a towel, and washed ... heresies, who indeed refer to the Scriptures, but do ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter ii for 330 easter-day xxiv.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... ministry of Christ, Who, girded with a towel, did not ... from God and man, to stay the
general conflagration, and ... all the deep things of the Scriptures, he drew ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

What is servant leadership? | GotQuestions.org

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What is the significance of the folded napkin in Christ's tomb after the resurrection? | GotQuestions.org

Towel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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