2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2 Timothy 4:14 (KJV)
Context
The book of 2 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul, and it is considered one of the Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, his young protégé and a pastor in Ephesus. The letter serves as a personal message of encouragement, exhortation, and instruction to Timothy. Paul wrote from prison, near the end of his life, making this his final recorded letter.
Meaning
In this verse, Paul names a specific opponent: Alexander the coppersmith. The Greek word translated “coppersmith” is chalkeus, meaning a worker in metals; some translations render it “metalworker” or “brazier.” Paul does not detail the harm Alexander did, only that it was “much” or “great.” The immediate context (2 Timothy 4:15) warns Timothy to beware of Alexander because he “greatly withstood our words”—he was an obstinate opponent of Paul’s teaching.
Paul’s response to the harm done to him by Alexander is to entrust the matter to God. Paul acknowledges that the Lord will be the one to reward Alexander according to his works. This response demonstrates Paul’s trust in God’s justice and his willingness to leave matters of vengeance in God’s hands.
Biblical connections
The verse highlights an important biblical principle regarding God’s justice. Throughout the Bible, we are reminded that God is a just and righteous judge who will ultimately judge every person according to their deeds. Paul’s statement implies that he believes that Alexander’s actions will have consequences and that God will appropriately reward or punish him. This reflects the principle of leaving vengeance to God, as seen in Proverbs 20:22 and Hebrews 10:30.
The identity of this Alexander is uncertain. Some scholars suggest he may be the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20 (whom Paul delivered to Satan for blasphemy) or Acts 19:33 (a Jewish metalworker in Ephesus during the riot), but this cannot be confirmed because Alexander was a common name. The mention of his trade serves to distinguish him from others of the same name and highlights the insolence of a man in a humble station opposing the apostle.
Application
As believers, we can learn from this verse in a few ways:
Trusting God’s Justice: Like Paul, we should trust in God’s justice and refrain from seeking revenge or taking matters into our own hands. God is the ultimate judge, and He will ensure that justice is served.
Overcoming Evil with Good: Rather than responding to evil with evil, we should respond with love, forgiveness, and prayers for those who harm us. Paul’s prayer for God to reward Alexander according to his works leaves the matter in God’s hands, acknowledging that God’s judgment is the best response to evil.
Persevering in the Face of Opposition: The mention of Alexander the coppersmith reminds us that as believers, we may face opposition and harm from others. However, we should remain steadfast in our faith, continuing to serve God and fulfill our purpose, just as Paul did despite the challenges he faced.
Reflection
Paul’s example teaches believers to commit injustice to the Lord, who judges righteously, rather than taking personal vengeance. This verse encourages us to leave matters of vengeance to God and focus on living out our faith with love and forgiveness.
