2 Timothy 4:14 - Personal Concerns

Alexander the coppersmith
Alexander is mentioned in the New Testament as a coppersmith, indicating his trade in metalwork, which was a common and respected profession in the ancient world. The name Alexander was common, making it difficult to identify him with certainty, but he may be the same individual mentioned in Acts 19:33, who was involved in the uproar in Ephesus. The trade of coppersmiths was significant in Ephesus, a city known for its commerce and idolatry, particularly the worship of Artemis. This connection suggests that Alexander might have had a vested interest in opposing Paul, whose teachings threatened the local economy tied to idol-making.

did great harm to me.
The harm Alexander caused Paul is not specified, but it could have been physical, legal, or reputational. In the context of Paul's ministry, opposition often came from those whose economic interests were threatened by the spread of Christianity. This phrase highlights the personal cost of Paul's mission and the reality of persecution faced by early Christians. It also reflects the broader spiritual battle between the early church and those resistant to the Gospel, as seen in other instances of opposition in Acts and Paul's epistles.

The Lord will repay him
This statement reflects a deep trust in divine justice. Paul does not seek personal vengeance but leaves judgment to God, aligning with teachings found in Romans 12:19, where believers are instructed to leave room for God's wrath. This perspective is consistent with the broader biblical theme of God as the ultimate judge who will right all wrongs. It underscores the Christian principle of forgiveness and reliance on God's justice rather than personal retribution.

according to his deeds.
The concept of being repaid according to one's deeds is a recurring biblical theme, emphasizing accountability and divine justice. This principle is echoed in passages like Galatians 6:7, which speaks of reaping what one sows, and Revelation 22:12, where Christ promises to reward each person according to their works. It serves as a reminder of the moral order established by God, where actions have consequences, and justice will ultimately prevail.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Alexander the Coppersmith
A metalworker who opposed Paul and caused him significant harm. His actions are mentioned as a warning and a reminder of the opposition faced by early Christians.

2. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter, writing to Timothy. Paul is nearing the end of his life and ministry, offering final instructions and warnings to his young protégé.

3. Timothy
The recipient of the letter, a young pastor and close companion of Paul. Timothy is being prepared to continue the work of the Gospel amidst challenges.

4. The Lord
Refers to God, who is just and will repay individuals according to their deeds, highlighting divine justice.

5. Ephesus
While not directly mentioned in this verse, Ephesus is a significant location in Timothy's ministry and where Alexander may have been active.

Teaching Points

Trust in Divine Justice
Believers are encouraged to trust that God will handle injustices and wrongs done to them. This trust allows Christians to focus on their mission without being consumed by personal vendettas.

Awareness of Opposition
Just as Paul faced opposition, Christians today should be aware that they may encounter resistance when standing for the truth. This awareness prepares believers to respond with grace and perseverance.

Forgiveness and Letting Go
While acknowledging harm, Paul does not dwell on revenge. Instead, he entrusts the matter to God. Christians are called to forgive and release their grievances to God.

Perseverance in Ministry
Despite opposition, Paul continued his ministry. This serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their calling, knowing that challenges are part of the journey.

Role of Community Support
Paul’s mention of Alexander serves as a warning to Timothy and the early church community. It highlights the importance of being vigilant and supporting one another in faith.

(14) Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.--Most probably, the same Alexander, mentioned in the First Epistle (1Timothy 1:20) "as delivered to Satan," and not improbably identical with the Alexander "the Jew" put forward by the Jews in the Ephesian tumult. (Acts 19:33-34).

It has been suggested that this Alexander, an influential Ephesian Jew, had done much injury to the cause of the Christians generally, and to St. Paul personally, with the imperial authorities at Rome.

The Lord reward him according to his works.--The older authorities read, "shall reward him . . ." The works referred to were the bitter injuries he had done to the cause of Christ, rather than to the Apostle himself.

Verse 14. - Will render to him for reward him, A.V. and T.R. Alexander; apparently an Ephesian, as appears by the words, "of whom be thou ware also." It seems probable, though it is necessarily uncertain, that this Alexander is the same person as that mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20 as "a blasphemer," which agrees exactly with what is here said of him, "he greatly withstood our words" (comp. Acts 13:45, "contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed"). He may or may not be the same as the Alexander named in Acts 19:33. Supposing the Alexander of 1 Timothy 1:20 and this place to be the same, the points of resemblance with the Alexander of Acts 19:33 are that both resided at Ephesus, that both seem to have been Christians (see note on 1 Timothy 1:20), and both probably Jews, inasmuch as 1 Timothy 1 relates entirely to Jewish heresies (vers. 4, 7, 8), and Acts 19:33 expressly states that he was a Jew. The coppersmith (ὁ χαλκεὺς; only here in the New Testament); properly, a coppersmith, but used generally of any smith - silversmith, or goldsmith, or blacksmith. Did me much evil (πολλά μοι κακὰ ἐνδείξατο). This is a purely Hellenistic idiom, and is found in the LXX. of Genesis 50:15, 17; Song of the Three Children, 19; 2 Macc. 13:9. In classical Greek the verb ἐνδείκυυμαι, in the middle voice, "to display," can only be followed by a subjective quality, as "good will," "virtue," "long suffering," an "opinion," and the like (see Alford, in loc.). And so it is used in 1 Timothy 1:16; Titus 2:10; Titus 3:2. The question naturally arises - When and where did Alexander thus injure St. Paul? - at Ephesus or at Rome? Bengel suggests Rome, and with great probability. Perhaps he did him evil by stirring up the Jews at Rome against the apostle at the time of "his first defence;" or by giving adverse testimony before the Roman tribunal, possibly accusing him of being seditious, and bringing up the riot at Ephesus as a proof of it; or in some other way, of which the memory has perished. Will render. The R.T. has the future, ἀποδώσει for the optative ἀποδώη, "a late and incorrect form for ἀποδοίη (Ellicott, in loc.). Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Alexander
Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexandros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 223: From the same as alektor and aner; man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

coppersmith
χαλκεὺς (chalkeus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5471: A worker in brass or copper; a smith. From chalkos; a copper-worker or brazier.

did
ἐνεδείξατο (enedeixato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1731: To show forth, prove. From en and deiknuo; to indicate.

great
πολλά (polla)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

harm
κακὰ (kaka)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.

to me.
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

The
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

will repay
ἀποδώσει (apodōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 591: From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.

him
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

according to
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

deeds.
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

Links

2 Timothy 4:14 NIV
2 Timothy 4:14 NLT
2 Timothy 4:14 ESV
2 Timothy 4:14 NASB
2 Timothy 4:14 KJV2 Timothy 4:14 BibleApps.com
2 Timothy 4:14 Biblia Paralela
2 Timothy 4:14 Chinese Bible
2 Timothy 4:14 French Bible
2 Timothy 4:14 Catholic BibleNT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did much evil (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)