An overcoat, in biblical times, refers to an outer garment worn for additional warmth and protection against the elements. This garment is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the Apostle Paul's writings.

Biblical Reference:

The most notable mention of an overcoat in the Bible is found in 2 Timothy 4:13, where Paul, writing from prison, requests Timothy to bring his cloak: "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments" . The term "cloak" here is often understood to refer to a heavy outer garment, akin to what we might consider an overcoat today.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, clothing was not only functional but also a symbol of status and identity. The overcoat, or cloak, was typically made from wool or other heavy materials, providing necessary warmth during colder months. It was an essential part of a person's attire, especially for those who traveled frequently, like Paul.

The cloak served multiple purposes: it could be used as a blanket at night, a covering during travel, and a protective layer against harsh weather. Given the limited possessions of many early Christians, the cloak was a valuable item, often representing one of the few personal belongings they might carry.

Symbolic Significance:

The request for the cloak in 2 Timothy highlights several important themes in Paul's life and ministry. Firstly, it underscores the reality of Paul's imprisonment and the physical hardships he endured for the sake of the Gospel. The need for a cloak suggests the cold and uncomfortable conditions he faced.

Secondly, the mention of the cloak alongside "scrolls" and "parchments" indicates Paul's continued dedication to study and writing, even in his final days. The overcoat, therefore, becomes a symbol of perseverance and commitment to the mission, despite adverse circumstances.

Practical Implications:

For contemporary readers, the reference to the overcoat in Paul's letter serves as a reminder of the practical needs of those in ministry and the importance of supporting them. It also encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and duties, regardless of personal discomfort or hardship.

In summary, the overcoat in biblical times was a practical garment with significant symbolic meaning, reflecting the realities of early Christian life and the enduring commitment to the spread of the Gospel.(n.) A coat worn over the other clothing; a greatcoat; a topcoat.

Robbie Goodman's Prayer
... questioning look, "Robbie Goodman and I always walk together going and coming from
school, and I have noticed that he has never worn any overcoat this winter ...
/.../touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/robbie goodmans prayer.htm

A Startling Statement
... They could not tell how old he was, nor how he was dressed, but they saw him jump
upon the bulkhead near by, strip off his overcoat, coat and hat, and, before ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a startling statement.htm

The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache
... and you will be perfect." [477] If someone "forces you to go one mile with him,
go along with him for two"; if someone robs you "of your overcoat, give him ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the teaching of the twelve.htm

A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian
... those who plunder and rob us, but to those who smite us on one cheek to offer the
other also, and to those who take away our coat to give our overcoat as well. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/a plea regarding christians by.htm

The Repentant Father.
... I have never warned him of the dangers of the world." And the result of his reflections
was that he put on his overcoat and hat, and started out to find his boy ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/the repentant father.htm

Further Answers to Prayer
... At last, about ten o'clock, there being no interruption of any kind, I put on my
overcoat, and was preparing to leave for home, rather thankful to know that by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter iv further answers to.htm

Second Greek Form.
... And going to the fountain He unfolded His overcoat, and drew water from the
fountain, and filled it, and took the water to His mother. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of thomas/second greek form .htm

The Blessedness of Giving
... THE DEACON'S SINGING SCHOOL. "I am going out to see if I can start a singing school,"
said a good man, as he stood buttoning up his overcoat, and muffling up ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the blessedness of giving.htm

How to Work God's Joy-Machine
... And last fall one day he looked into it and saw a whole ton of coal for old Mrs.
Benson and an overcoat for Tom Jones, and a little later he found a pair of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-five how to work.htm

A God-Given Field (1894-1900)
... Twelve days later, as we came in sight of Tientsin, with a bitter north wind blowing,
our eldest child went on deck without his overcoat, in disobedience to my ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/iv a god-given field 1894-1900.htm

Overcoat (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Overcoat (1 Occurrence). John 21:7 That disciple
therefore whom Jesus loved says to Peter, It is the Lord. ...
/o/overcoat.htm - 6k

Overcharged (1 Occurrence)

/o/overcharged.htm - 6k

Over (11971 Occurrences)
... 18. (a.) Upper; covering; higher; superior; also, excessive; too much or too great; --
chiefly used in composition; as, overshoes, overcoat, over-garment ...
/o/over.htm - 9k

Girded (48 Occurrences)
... Simon Peter therefore, having heard that it was the Lord, girded his overcoat
on him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea; (DBY). ...
/g/girded.htm - 21k

Parchments (1 Occurrence)
... "The police had not even allowed him time to find his overcoat or necessary
documents" (Workman, op. cit., 39; see p. 1886, 14). ...
/p/parchments.htm - 10k

Hood
... head; a cowl. 5. (n.) A like appendage to a cloak or loose overcoat, that
may be drawn up over the head at pleasure. 6. (n.) An ...
/h/hood.htm - 9k

Overcome (300 Occurrences)

/o/overcome.htm - 36k

Dress (38 Occurrences)
... this, as in other matters; compare 1 Corinthians 6:7. Some identify the simlah of
the ancient Hebrews with modern aba, the coarse blouse or overcoat worn today ...
/d/dress.htm - 53k

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Overcoat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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