Back then, prisons didn t have air conditioning or heat, and the only luxuries a prisoner might enjoy had to be supplied by his friends or family. Paul was getting old, and he was cold. For me it s easier to endure heat than cold, so I m thankful that God gave us clothing to protect us from the elements. Another reason we wear clothing is to show respect. What we wear says something about what we are doing, where we are going, and whom we are planning to see.
Different clothing is appropriate for different occasions.
For instance, you wouldn t wear the same outfit to go out picnicking with your family as you would to go to work at Taco Bell or Burger King. Likewise, when you come to worship before the Lord, you would not wear the same clothes that you d wear if going to the beach. This is something that I believe is very important. Those of us on the church staff at Sacramento Central usually do a lot of cleaning and yard work at the church on Fridays to get ready for Sabbath, so we don t wear our suits. Friday is our casual day.