Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
14. did me much evil ] The Greek word has a technical meaning, ‘impeached,’ ‘indicted,’ and so it is sometimes rendered here ‘laid many grievous things to my charge’; but it is in the simpler sense, ‘ shewed me much mischief,’ that the verb is used nine times by St Paul. Cf. 1Ti 1:16, Tit 2:10; Tit 3:2.
the Lord reward him ] The aorist optative has less weight of ms. authority than the future indic, will render, which tense of the same verb has occurred 2Ti 4:8.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
14, 15. Dr Farrar’s suggestion for the link of connexion is possible, that St Paul’s second arrest took place at Troas, and that such an one as Alexander the coppersmith could easily have procured his arrest, and when suddenly seized by the lictors at Troas he could have had no time to take away his possessions. On 1Ti 1:20 we have seen that there is no particular reason to identify this Alexander with the one mentioned there. Rather the addition of ‘coppersmith’ as a distinguishing title suggests the opposite. ‘The smith’ would be perhaps more certainly correct; the word being quite as commonly used for ‘blacksmith.’
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Alexander the coppersmith – Or, rather, the brazier – ho chalkeus. The word is used, however, to denote a worker in any kind of metals. This is probably the same person who is mentioned in 1Ti 1:20, and perhaps the same as the one mentioned in Act 19:33; see the notes on 1Ti 1:20.
Did me much evil – In what way this was done, is not mentioned. If this is the same person who is referred to in 1Ti 1:20, it is probable that it was not evil to Paul personally, so much as embarrassment to the cause of religion which he advocated; compare 2Ti 2:17-18.
The Lord reward him according to his works; – compare the notes at 1Ti 1:20. This need not be regarded as an expression of private feeling; still less should it be understood as expressing a desire of revenge. It is the language of one who wished that God would treat him exactly as he ought to be treated, and might be in accordance with the highest benevolence of any heart. It is the aim of every just government that every one should be treated exactly as he deserves; and every good citizen should desire and pray that exact justice may be done to all. It is the business of a police officer to ferret out the guilty, to bring them to trial, to secure a just sentence; and any police officer might pray, with the utmost propriety, that God would assist him in his endeavors, and enable him to perform his duty. This might be done with no malevolent feeling toward any human being, but with the purest love of country, and the most earnest desire for the welfare of all.
if such a police officer, or if a judge, or a juryman, were heard thus to pray, who would dare to accuse him of having a vindictive spirit, or a malevolent heart? And why should Paul be so charged, when his prayer amounts to no more than this? For it remains yet to be proved that he refers to any private wrong which Alexander had done him, or that he was actuated by any other desire than that the sacred interests of truth should be guarded, and equal justice done to all. Why is it wrong to desire or to pray that universal justice may be done, and that every man may be treated as, under all the circumstances of the case, he ought to be treated? On the subject of the Imprecations in the Scriptures, the reader may consult an article in the Bibliotheca Sacra, vol. 1, pp. 97-110. It should be added here, that some manuscripts, instead of apodoe, may the Lord reward, read it in the future – apodosei, will reward. See Wetstein. The future is also found in the Vulgate, Coptic, and in Augustine, Theodoret, and Chrysostom. Augustine says (on the Sermon on the Mount), He does not say, may he reward (reddat); but, he will reward (reddet), which is a verb of prophecy, not of imprecation. The authority, however, is not sufficient to justify a change in the present reading. These variations have doubtless arisen from a belief that the common reading expresses a sentiment inconsistent with the true spirit of a Christian, and a desire to find a better. But there is no reason for desiring a change in the text.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Ti 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.
Indignation an important quality in a true man
At a party at Dalkeith Palace, where Mr.
in his mawkish way was finding palliations for some villainous transaction, Adam Smith waited in patient silence until he was gone, then exclaimed, Now I can breathe more freely. I cannot bear that man; he has no indignation in him. (W. H. Baxendale.)
Of whom be thou ware
1. We must shun the society of incurable sinners. Whilst men are hopeful and curable we must try all means to win them.
2. Opposing of the truth is very grievous to a gracious soul. For he hath greatly withstood our words. Gods people are baptized with fire as well as with water, and must be hot and not lukewarm or indifferent in the things of God.
3. Wicked men do not so much oppose our persons as our preaching. They hate us not as men, but as ministers, because we publish the truth that condemns their wicked practices. (T. Hall, B. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 14. Alexander the coppersmith] We are not to understand this of any tradesman, but of some rabbin; for it was not unusual for the Jews to apply the name of some trade as an epithet to their rabbins and literary men. He is, in all probability, the very same mentioned Ac 19:33, where see the note; and it is not unlikely that he may have been the same whom the apostle was obliged to excommunicate, 1Ti 1:20.
The Lord reward him] But instead of , which has here the power of a solemn imprecation, , he will reward, is the reading of the very best MSS., several of the versions, and some of the chief Greek fathers. This makes the sentence declaratory: The Lord WILL reward him according to his works. This reading is most like the spirit and temper of this heavenly man. See 2Tim 4:16.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Alesander the coppersmith did me much evil; we read of three Alexanders; one Mar 15:21, the son of him that bare Christs cross; another Act 4:6, akin to Annas the High Priest; a third, Act 19:33, probably the person here meant, for he was an Ephesian; but he at that time was a disciple of Pauls, as appears there; probably afterward he apostasized, and was excommunicated by Paul, 1Ti 1:20, which might possibly provoke him: what harm he did to him, and where, whether at Ephesus or Rome, it is not said. The Lord reward him according to his works; how far it is lawful to pray against our enemies, (as Paul did here against Alexander), See Poole “Psa 99:6“, See Poole “Jer 11:20“, See Poole “Jer 12:3“.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
14. Alexander the coppersmithor”smith” in general. Perhaps the same as the Alexander (seeon 1Ti 1:20) at Ephesus.Excommunicated then he subsequently was restored, and now vented hispersonal malice because of his excommunication in accusing Paulbefore the Roman judges, whether of incendiarism or of introducing anew religion. See my Introduction.He may have been the Alexander put forward by the Jews in the tumultat Ephesus (Act 19:33; Act 19:34).
rewardThe oldestmanuscripts read, “shall reward,” or “requitehim.” Personal revenge certainly did not influence the apostle(2Ti 4:16, end).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil,…. This seems to be the same person that was at Ephesus in the tumult, when the apostle was there, Ac 20:33 and whom he afterwards delivered to Satan, along with Hymenaeus, for blasphemy, 1Ti 1:20. It was very likely he had lately been at Rome, though now returned to Ephesus, and had done great injury to the apostle’s character, and had reproached and reviled him as a man of bad principles and practices; his business is mentioned, to distinguish him from any other of that name, and to show the insolence of the man, that though he was an illiterate person, and in such a mean station of life, yet took upon him to resist the apostle and his doctrine.
The Lord reward him according to his works; which may be considered either as an imprecation upon him, as knowing him to be a wicked blasphemer, and a reprobate person; and which arose, not from private resentment, and on account of the private injury he had done to him; but from a pure zeal for the glory of God, and the honour of his name, without mingling his own spirit and passions with it: or as a prophecy, or declaration of what would be; and so the Alexandrian copy, and the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions, read, “the Lord will render to him”, &c.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Alexander the coppersmith ( ). Old word, only here in N.T., for metal-worker (copper, iron, gold, etc.). Possibly the one in 1:20, but not the one in Ac 19:33f. unless he afterwards became a Christian.
Did me much evil ( ). Evidently he had some personal dislike towards Paul and possibly also he was a Gnostic.
Will render (). Future active of the same verb used in verse 8, but with a very different atmosphere.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Alexander the coppersmith. Comp. 1Ti 1:20, and Act 19:33. The same person is probably meant in all three cases.
Did me much evil [ ] . Lit. shewed me much ill – treatment. Comp. 1Ti 1:16.
May the Lord reward [] . More correctly shall reward. A. V. follows the reading ajpodwh.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil” (Aleksandros ho chalkeus polla moi kaka enedeiksato) “Alexander the coppersmith showed (did) many evil things to me,” dirty tricks, Act 19:33-34; 1Ti 1:20.
2) “The Lord reward him” (apodosei auto ho kurios) “The Lord will render to him;” Retribution will come to him for his treachery, double-crossing, opposition, Heb 2:2; Gal 6:7-8.
3) “According to his works” (kata ta erga autou) “According to the evil (dirty tricks) deeds or works which he did;” Ecc 12:13-14; 2Co 5:10-12; Psa 28:4; Rev 18:6. This seems to be an imprecatory prayer of Paul, so much like many of David’s prayers upon his treacherous enemies (2Sa 3:39) for example, at the slaying of Abner.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
14 Alexander the coppersmith In this man was exhibited a shocking instance of apostasy. He had made profession of some zeal in advancing the reign of Christ, against which he afterwards carried on open war. No class of enemies is more dangerous or more envenomed than this. But from the beginning, the Lord determined that his Church should not be exempted from this evil, lest our courage should fail when we are tried by any of the same kind.
Hath done me many evil things It is proper to observe, what are the “many evils” which Paul complains that Alexander brought upon him. They consisted in this, that he opposed his doctrine. Alexander was an artificer, not prepared by the learning of the schools for being a great disputer; but domestic enemies have always been abundantly able to do injury. And the wickedness of such men always obtains credit in the world, so that malicious and impudent ignorance sometimes creates trouble and difficulty greater than the highest abilities accompanied by learning. Besides, when the Lord brings his servants into contest with persons of this low and base class, he purposely withdraws them from the view of the world, that they may not indulge in ostentatious display.
From Paul’s words, (2Ti 4:15,) for he vehemently opposed our discourses, we may infer that he had committed no greater offense than an attack on sound doctrine; for if Alexander had wounded his person, or committed an assault on him, he would have endured it patiently; but when the truth of God is assailed, his holy breast burns with indignation, because, in all the members of Christ that saying must hold good,
“
The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up.” (Psa 69:9.)
And this is also the reason of the stern imprecation into which he breaks out, that the Lord may reward him according to his works. A little afterwards, when he complains that all had forsaken him, (Psa 69:9,) still he does not call down the vengeance of God on them, but, on the contrary, appears as their intercessor, pleading that they may obtain pardon. So mild and so merciful to all others, how comes it that he shows himself so harsh and inexorable towards this individual? The reason is this. Because some had fallen through fear and weakness, he desires that the Lord would forgive them; for in this manner we ought to have compassion on the weakness of brethren. But because this man rose against God with malice and sacrilegious hardihood, and openly attacked known truth, such impiety had no claim to compassion.
We must not imagine, therefore, that Paul was moved by excessive warmth of temper, when he broke out into this imprecation; for it was from the Spirit of God, and through a well regulated zeal, that he wished eternal perdition to Alexander, and mercy to the others. Seeing that it is by the guidance of the Spirit that Paul pronounces a heavenly judgment from on high, we may infer from this passage, how dear to God is his truth, for attacking which he punishes so severely. Especially it ought to be observed how detestable a crime it is, to fight with deliberate malice against the true religion
But lest any person, by falsely imitating the Apostle, should rashly utter similar imprecations, there are three things here that deserve notice. First, let us not avenge the injuries done to ourselves, lest self-love and a regard to our private advantage should move us violently, as frequently happens. Secondly, while we maintain the glory of God, let us not mingle with it our own passions, which always disturb good order. Thirdly, let us not pronounce sentence against every person without discrimination, but only against reprobates, who, by their impiety, give evidence that such is their true character; and thus our wishes will agree with God’s own judgment otherwise there is ground to fear that the same reply may be made to us that Christ made to the disciples who thundered indiscriminately against all who did not comply with their views,
“
Ye know not of what spirit ye are.” (Luk 9:55.)
They thought that they had Elijah as their supporter, (2Kg 1:10,) who prayed to the Lord in the same manner; but because they differed widely from the spirit of Elijah, the imitation was absurd. It is therefore necessary, that the Lord should reveal his judgment before we burst forth into such imprecations; and wish that by his Spirit he should restrain and guide our zeal. And whenever we call to our remembrance the vehemence of Paul against a single individual, let us also recollect his amazing meekness towards those who had so basely forsaken him, that we may learn, by his example, to have compassion on the weakness of our brethren.
Here I wish to put a question to those who pretend that Peter presided over the church at Rome. Where was he at that time? According to their opinion, he was not dead; for they tell us, that exactly a year intervened between his death and that of Paul. Besides, they extend his pontificate to seven years. Here Paul mentions his first defense: his second appearance before the court would not be quite so soon. In order that Peter may not lose the title of Pope, must he endure to be charged with the guilt of so shameful a revolt? Certainly, when the whole matter has been duly examined, we shall find that everything that has been believed about his Popedom is fabulous.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2Ti. 4:14. The Lord reward him according to his works.R.V. the Lord will render, etc. What the Jew Alexander would have said to the Ephesian mob we cannot now know, but he must have been one of the leaders of the Jewish element in the mob, and therefore we conclude it was he to whom St. Paul here refers (cf. Act. 19:33, and margin R.V.).
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.2Ti. 4:14-15
Opposition to the Truth
I. Is often violently persistent.For he hath greatly withstood our words (2Ti. 4:15). Probably the Alexander at Ephesus, put forward by the Jews during the riot there (1Ti. 1:20). He was then excommunicated, but afterwards restored, and by his able and determined opposition was a thorn in Pauls side. A renegade is all the more troublesome because of the acquaintance with the side he once espoused and now attacks, using his knowledge of both sides with subtle and malicious dexterity.
II. Is fraught with much mischief.Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil (2Ti. 4:14). Though again restored to the Church and to the confidence of the apostle, he never forgot the indignity of his expulsion, and vented his spleen on the man who had shown him kindness, accusing Paul before the Roman judges either of incendiarism or of introducing a new religion. He misrepresented facts, as suchlike men usually do, and was perhaps a chief agent in procuring the martyrdom of Paul. It is in the power of a restless, discontented, and malicious opponent to do mischief he can never repair.
III. Should put the faithful teacher on his guard.Of whom be thou ware also (2Ti. 4:15). An unprincipled opponent is difficult to manage. All kindly and courteous advances he construes into fear; and even our silence he counts as submission and claims as a victory. Knowing the unfair use he will make of our words, we should be cautious not to give him the least advantage.
IV. Will not escape Divine punishment.The Lord reward him according to his works (2Ti. 4:14). Baffled in all our efforts to silence or to restore a refractory opponent, we can leave him to God. The Christian teacher should be above the indulgence of personal revenge. The obstinate sinner will be certainly punished according to his deeds; and the punishment will be both just and adequate.
Lessons.
1. Truth is hated because it reproves our conscious sins.
2. A vindictive spirit is utterly impotent.
3. God will reckon with the enemies of His truth.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(14) Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.Most probably, the same Alexander, mentioned in the First Epistle (1Ti. 1:20) as delivered to Satan, and not improbably identical with the Alexander the Jew put forward by the Jews in the Ephesian tumult. (Act. 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.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
4. Reminiscences of his former trial, 2Ti 4:14-18.
14. Alexander the coppersmith Or rather, brazier. See note, Act 19:33. He was probably a resident of Ephesus, but went to Rome as witness or prosecutor against Paul at his trial.
The Lord reward The best authorities read will reward; making the words a prediction rather than an imprecation. The position of both Alford and Fairbairn is, that the imprecative form presents no greater theological difficulty than the predictive. One of the most solemn, yet approvable, passages of the Apocalypse, Rev 6:9-10, is imprecative. An inspired prayer may anticipate and invoke the just judgment that a holy God is about to execute. Yet upon such passages sceptical cavil will always be offered.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works,’
Alexander was such a common name (which is why he is described as ‘the coppersmith’), that identification with other Alexanders mentioned elsewhere must be seen as uncertain. The evil that he did to Paul would seem to be connected in some way with his trial, for the description of that follows immediately. The Greek for ‘did me much evil’ is endeiknumi. It literally means ‘to show or demonstrate’, and was in fact often used to indicate the laying of information against a man by an informer. Informers were common in Rome at this time, being encouraged by the authorities, and those who bore a grudge would often inform on their neighbours, not necessarily honestly. It may well be that Alexander was a renegade co-worker of Paul, (a Judas), who went to the magistrates and laid false information against him, seeking to bring about his downfall because he had offended him in some way. Paul commits judgment on him to the Lord, for he is one who has denied the Lord (2Ti 2:12 b). Compare Psa 62:12 which was probably in Paul’s mind.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Paul Describes His Preliminary Appearance Before The Roman Court ( 2Ti 4:14-18 ).
We must ask why Alexander the coppersmith is brought in here in the middle of the list of greetings, and at the end of the description of what had happened to Paul’s lieutenants and co-workers. It is quite possible that he had been another co-worker of Paul’s but had become a turncoat. Mention of him then leads naturally into the description of Paul’s preliminary hearing.
We should note here that Paul appears, like Jesus had done before him, to very much have in mind Psalms 22 as he faces his suffering. He is conscious that he is ‘filling up on his part that which is behind in the sufferings of Christ’ (Col 1:24). Compare for example the following:
‘All who see me laugh me to scorn’ — ‘All forsook me.’
‘Nor has He hid His face from him’ — ‘the Lord stood by me.’
‘There is none to help’ — ‘no one took my part’.
‘Save me from the mouth of the lion’ — ‘I was rescued from the mouth of the lion.’
‘All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord’ — ‘that the Gentiles might hear it.’
‘The Kingly Rule is the Lords’ — ‘The Lord will save me for his heavenly Kingly Rule.’
Analysis.
a
b At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me (2Ti 4:16 a).
c May it not be laid to their account (2Ti 4:16 b).
b But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might me fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear, and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion (2Ti 4:17).
a The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen (2Ti 4:18).
Note that in ‘a’ evil (kakos) was done to him, and in the parallel he is confident that he will be delivered from every evil work (ergou ponerou). In ‘b’ no one took his part at his defence, and in the parallel the Lord took his part. Centrally in ‘c’ he prays that those who failed him might not have it laid to their account.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Ti 4:14. Alexander the copper-smith, &c. Dr. Lightfoot observes, that delivering a person over to Satan, was a phrase well known among the Jews; and that it meant more than excommunication, even the delivering men over by miracle to diseases or death. The apostle, some years before this, had delivered over Alexander unto Satan; 1Ti 1:20. But the punishment so inflicted had not reclaimed him; and if Alexander was incorrigible, the apostle might justly denounce some greater curse upon him, or rather foretel his future and final punishment. Theophylact says, “That the word , is put for the word ; for it is rather a prophesy, than an imprecation.” But whether this be considered as a prediction or a petition, there is not in it the least degree of revenge: for the apostle leaves it to the great Searcher of Hearts, to determine what Alexander’s works had been, and what the principle was from which they had proceeded; and then he foretells, or petitions, that God would reward him, according as God himself knew his works had been: which was really no other than foretelling, that the God and Judge of the earth will do right, or praying him to do so. See on the next verse.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Ti 4:14-15 . Warning against a certain Alexander. ] see on 1Ti 1:20 .
] The words point to a personal injury which he had inflicted on the apostle. This must, however, be added to an attitude of opposition to his words, as is shown in the words: ] It is doubtful where this was done, and where Alexander was at the time of the composition of this epistle. Further, the warning: , may refer both “to Timothy’s presence in Ephesus and to his future stay in Rome” (de Wette). Wiesinger conjectures that this Alexander, a native of Ephesus, had come from there to Rome to give testimony against the apostle (at his , 2Ti 4:16 ), and had afterwards returned to Ephesus. [68] This conjecture obtains some probability from the fact that in the very next verse Paul speaks of the ; but this fact cannot be regarded as making the matter certain. The words preceding this warning, if we read , present no difficulty. Even with the reading they cannot form a reason for reproaching the apostle with a desire for vengeance; Christian love does not extinguish the feeling of justice; besides, the apostle does not speak the words because of the personal injury, but because of Alexander’s hostility to the truth. Justin ( quaest. 125, ad Orthod. ) says of these words: , ; comp. Rom 12:19 ; 1Pe 2:23 .
[68] Hofmann supposes that this Alexander was the same as the one mentioned in Acts 19., and that he had given testimony against the apostle in Ephesus. The opinion is manifestly too far-fetched, that Luke would not have mentioned him in the Acts, if the Roman Theophilus, for whom in the first place he wrote the Acts, “had not known Alexander from some other source, in the manner in which we make acquaintance with him in the passage before us.”
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
Ver. 14. Alexander the coppersmith ] Who was once martyrio propinquus, saith Calvin, near unto martyrdom in Paul’s cause, Act 19:33 . A glorious professor may become a furious persecutor. “Let him that stands take heed lest he fall.”
The Lord reward him ] This is neither a curse nor a railing speech, saith an ancient, but a prediction well beseeming an apostle, that avenged not himself, but rather gave place to wrath, Rom 12:19 . (Author quaest. apud Just. Mar.)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
14 .] Alexander the smith (Eustathius, on Hom. Od. . p. 139 (Wetst.), says, , . , . Similarly the Etymol. (ib.), . See ref. Gen., and 2Ch 24:12 . Perhaps the same with the Alexander of 1Ti 1:20 , where see note. There is nothing here said, inconsistent with his being an Ephesian resident. It has been indeed supposed that he was at Rome, and that the following caution refers to Timotheus’s approaching visit: but the aor. seems to suit better the other hypothesis. It must ever remain uncertain, whether the Alexander whom we find put forward by the Jews in the Ephesian tumult, Act 19:33-34 , is this same person: nothing in that narrative is against it. The title may be intended to mark another Alexander: but it may also be a mere cursory designation of the same person) did to me much evil (such, as in E. V., is the nearest representation in our language of the phrase . Cf. Gen 50:15 , and 2Ti 4:17 , . In both these places represents the Hebrew verb , ‘affecit:’ similarly the Song of the Three Children, 2Ti 4:19 , : and 2Ma 13:9 , , . This usage is easily explained. From the primary sense of the middle verb ‘ to manifest ,’ applied to a subjective quality (reff. Tit., Heb., and , Aristoph. Plut. 785, , Herod. viii. 141: al. in Lexx.), we have idiomatically the same sense applied to objective facts in Hellenistic Greek: Palm and Rost give from Plutarch, , a phrase intermediate between the two usages. Then in rendering , it is for us to enquire, whether we shall be best expressing the mind of the original by changing the subjective into an objective verb, or by changing the objective subst. to a subjective quality ( ): and the answer to this is clear. The were facts which we must not disguise. The , not the , is used in an improper and secondary meaning; and therefore in rendering the phrase in a language which admits of no such idiom, it is the verb which must be made objective to suit the substantive, not vice vers. Conyb.’s rendering, ‘ charged me with much evil ,’ as also his alternative, ‘ manifested many evil things (?) against me ,’ would, it seems to me, require the active verb): the Lord shall requite him according to his works (the optative of the rec. makes no real difficulty it is not personal revenge, but zeal for the cause of the Gospel which the wish would express, cf. 2Ti 4:16 below, where his own personal feelings were concerned): whom do thou also beware of (see above, on Alexander); for he exceedingly withstood our (better than ‘my,’ seeing that occurs in the same sentence, and immediately follows. The plural may be used because the were such as were common to all Christians arguments for, or declarations of, our common faith) words .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Ti 4:14-15 . Beware of Alexander the smith.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
2Ti 4:14 . : It is probable that this is the Alexander mentioned in 1Ti 1:20 , and it is possible that he may be the Jew of that name who was unwillingly prominent in the riot at Ephesus (Act 19:33-34 ).
: does not mean that he worked only in copper. The term came to be used of workers in any kind of metal (see Gen 4:22 , LXX).
: Multa mala mihi ostendit (Vulg.). His odium theologicum expressed itself in deeds as well as in words. For this use of , compare reff. Moulton and Milligan ( Expositor , vii., vii. 282) cite from a papyrus of ii. A.D. .
: The future indic. is certainly attested by a greater weight of external evidence than the optative. The moral question raised by the clause is quite independent of the mood and tense used: it is, Was the future punishment of Alexander, which St. Paul considered equitable, a matter of more satisfaction than distress to the apostle? The answer would seem to be, Yes. And, provided that no element of personal spite intrudes, such a feeling cannot be logically condemned. If God is a moral governor; if sin is a reality; those who know themselves to be on God’s side cannot help a feeling of joy in knowing that evil will not always triumph over good. The sentiment comes from Deu 32:35 , as quoted in Rom 12:19 , . The exact wording is found in Psa 61 (62):13, . Cf. Psa 27 (28):4; Pro 24:12 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Alexander. The addition of “coppersmith” suggests his identity with the Ephesian Jew of Act 19:33, Act 19:34,
coppersmith. Greek. chalkeus. Only here.
did. Literally showed forth.
much evil = many evil (App-128,) things.
reward. See 2Ti 4:8.
according to. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
14.] Alexander the smith (Eustathius, on Hom. Od. . p. 139 (Wetst.), says, , . , . Similarly the Etymol. (ib.),- . See ref. Gen., and 2Ch 24:12. Perhaps the same with the Alexander of 1Ti 1:20, where see note. There is nothing here said, inconsistent with his being an Ephesian resident. It has been indeed supposed that he was at Rome, and that the following caution refers to Timotheuss approaching visit: but the aor. seems to suit better the other hypothesis. It must ever remain uncertain, whether the Alexander whom we find put forward by the Jews in the Ephesian tumult, Act 19:33-34, is this same person: nothing in that narrative is against it. The title may be intended to mark another Alexander: but it may also be a mere cursory designation of the same person) did to me much evil (such, as in E. V., is the nearest representation in our language of the phrase . Cf. Gen 50:15, -and 2Ti 4:17, . In both these places represents the Hebrew verb , affecit: similarly the Song of the Three Children, 2Ti 4:19, : and 2Ma 13:9, , . This usage is easily explained. From the primary sense of the middle verb to manifest, applied to a subjective quality (reff. Tit., Heb., and , Aristoph. Plut. 785,-, Herod. viii. 141: al. in Lexx.), we have idiomatically the same sense applied to objective facts in Hellenistic Greek: Palm and Rost give from Plutarch, , a phrase intermediate between the two usages. Then in rendering , it is for us to enquire, whether we shall be best expressing the mind of the original by changing the subjective into an objective verb, or by changing the objective subst. to a subjective quality ():-and the answer to this is clear. The were facts which we must not disguise. The , not the , is used in an improper and secondary meaning; and therefore in rendering the phrase in a language which admits of no such idiom, it is the verb which must be made objective to suit the substantive, not vice vers. Conyb.s rendering, charged me with much evil, as also his alternative, manifested many evil things (?) against me, would, it seems to me, require the active verb): the Lord shall requite him according to his works (the optative of the rec. makes no real difficulty it is not personal revenge, but zeal for the cause of the Gospel which the wish would express, cf. 2Ti 4:16 below, where his own personal feelings were concerned): whom do thou also beware of (see above, on Alexander); for he exceedingly withstood our (better than my, seeing that occurs in the same sentence, and immediately follows. The plural may be used because the were such as were common to all Christians-arguments for, or declarations of, our common faith) words.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Ti 4:14. , exhibited towards or occasioned me [did me]) at Ephesus, or even at Rome.-, reward) The apostle knew that he would not be unavenged; he therefore [does not hereby indulge in revenge, but] expresses his acquiescence in the judgment of the Lord.-, greatly) Therefore he will not discontinue.-, our) Believers have a common cause and interest: and Timothy already at that time was the companion of Paul. This adversary was there, where Timothy was, and where Paul had been, viz. at Ephesus, and Timothy must therefore be on his guard against him.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Ti 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil:-He may have been a professed Christian who was a Judaizing teacher turned against Paul and made shipwreck of his faith. [Three men named Alexander are mentioned in connection with Pauls work, and we cannot positively decide which one is here denounced. They are: (1) Alexander of Ephesus, who was brought out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward (Act 19:33) to defend them. The purpose of this was most likely to save the Jews from being mixed up with the Christians in the vengeance of the people. He may or may not have been the same as Alexander the coppersmith. (2) Alexander the coppersmith, of whom it is said he did Paul much evil (2Ti 4:14). (3) Alexander, an early Christian who made shipwreck concerning the faith (1Ti 1:19-20), who did Paul much evil (2Ti 4:14). Many attempts have been made to identify these men, but identification is simply a matter of conjecture.]
the Lord will render to him according to his works:-Paul leaves him with God to reward him according to his deeds, refraining from personal judgment, leaves him to the certain and holy judgment of God, assured that it will be according to his works.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Lord
Jehovah. 2Sa 3:39.
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Alexander: Act 19:33, Act 19:34, 1Ti 1:20
reward: 1Sa 24:12, 2Sa 3:39, Psa 28:4, Psa 109:5-20, Jer 15:15, Jer 18:19-23, 2Th 1:6, 1Jo 5:16, Rev 6:10, Rev 18:6, Rev 18:20
Reciprocal: Jdg 16:28 – that I may 1Sa 26:19 – cursed 2Ch 24:22 – The Lord Neh 4:5 – cover not Neh 6:14 – think thou Neh 13:29 – Remember Job 21:19 – he rewardeth Job 42:8 – lest Psa 54:5 – reward Psa 69:27 – iniquity Jer 11:20 – let Jer 18:21 – deliver Lam 3:64 – General Mat 7:6 – turn Act 13:8 – withstood Phi 3:2 – of dogs 1Th 5:21 – hold Heb 6:4 – it is 2Pe 2:13 – the reward
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ti 4:14. Alexander the coppersmith. The last word is given merely to identify the one Paul means, as there were several men with the same name. We have very little information about him except what is given here, that he did the apostle much harm. The last sentence denotes that Paul expects Alexander to receive punishment from God.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Ti 4:14. Alexander the coppersmith. Possibly identical with the man of the same name in Act 19:33, and with the false teacher of 1Ti 1:20. Enmity against St. Paul is a common element in all three cases. As a coppersmith, there may have been a trade connexion with the craftsmen employed by Demetrius.
Did. Literally showed, but English usage would hardly admit the word in this context
The Lord reward him. The better reading gives the future, will reward him.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Here our apostle, 1. Complains of the injuries and oppositions which he had met with from Aexander the Coppersmith, who was before a great professor, but now become a grievous persecutor: He made shipwreck of the faith, 1Ti 1:19 which he did before profess; nay, ’tis thought this man, Act 19:33 was near martyrdom, yet afterwards an opposer of the truth. The best things corrupted, become worst; the sweetest wine makes the sharpest vinegar. Be not offended then, if at any time you see professors turn blasphemers; nay, preachers themselves turn persecutors.
Observe, 2. An apostolical prediction, rather than a dreadful imprecation, passed upon Alexander; The Lord reward him according to his works. The Lord will reward him according to his works. The apostle by a prophetic spirit, saw what was coming upon him, and foretels his doom. Imprecations against the enemies of the church if lawful, yet must be cautiously and very rarely used: What we find in scripture looking like such, are rather to be accounted predictions, than imprecations.
Observe, lastly; The caution given to TImothy to shun him; Of whom be thou aware also, for he is an opposer of the truth. Wicked men do not so much oppose the ministers, as the ministry; not so much oppose preachers, as preaching: ‘Tis the light of truth which evil- doers hate; because it has a searching, discovering, condemning power.
St. Paul doth not complain of Alexander;s unkindness towards him, but of his malicious resisting the truth, and hindering the preaching of the gospel: He hath greatly withstood our words.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
2Ti 4:14-15. Alexander the coppersmith Or brasier; did me much evil This seems to have been the person mentioned 1Ti 1:20 : probably he was one of the Judaizing teachers, who violently opposed the true doctrine of the gospel. The Lord reward him The Alexandrian, and six other MSS., the Syriac and the Vulgate versions, and some of the Fathers, read here, , the Lord will reward him: and it is probable the words ought to be considered as spoken prophetically. At least, as Doddridge observes, what we know of Pauls character must lead us to conclude, that if he did not mean the words as a mere prediction, he did not, however, wish evil to him as evil, but only that he might be so animadverted upon as to prevent the contagion of his bad example from spreading in the church, and to bring him to repentance and reformation, that so he might be preserved from final destruction. Of whom be thou ware also Be thou upon thy guard wherever thou happenest to meet with him; for he hath greatly withstood our words Hath used every means in his power to prevent the progress and advancement of the true gospel.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Verse 14
Alexander. An Alexander of Ephesus is mentioned, Acts 19:33, as taking a part in the disturbances created by Demetrius. One of this name is also referred to in 1 Timothy 1:20.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
. “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.”
We have another not so right on Christian mentioned – one that really turned against the apostle and did him evil. What an arrogant man this must have been, to have withstood the teaching of Paul and then to do other evil to him as well.
False teachers MUST be confronted. You can’t allow them to continue or they will become effective in corrupting the minds of others. To delay will cost in peoples lives.
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
The Alexander Paul warned Timothy about may have been the same man he mentioned in 1Ti 1:20 (cf. Act 19:33-34), though Alexander was a common name. Paul did not want Timothy to retaliate against him. The Lord would take care of that (Psa 62:12). Timothy should simply beware of him.