2 Timothy 4 15

2 Timothy 4:15 kjv

Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

2 Timothy 4:15 nkjv

You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

2 Timothy 4:15 niv

You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

2 Timothy 4:15 esv

Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.

2 Timothy 4:15 nlt

Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.

2 Timothy 4 verses

2 Timothy 4 15 Meaning

2 Timothy 4:15 serves as a direct, earnest warning from Paul to Timothy concerning Alexander the coppersmith. Paul cautions Timothy to be vigilant and guard against this individual, explaining that Alexander had severely and actively opposed the message of the Gospel that Paul and his associates proclaimed. It underscores the reality of opposition in Christian ministry and the necessity for discernment among believers, particularly leaders.

2 Timothy 4 15 Context

2 Timothy chapter 4 finds Paul nearing the end of his life, imprisoned in Rome and facing imminent martyrdom. He issues his final instructions, solemn charges, and heartfelt encouragement to his spiritual son, Timothy. Amidst these urgent directives concerning ministry, perseverance, sound doctrine, and dealing with challenges, Paul personalizes his warnings. He highlights specific individuals like Demas who deserted him (v.10), Crescens and Titus who were sent out (v.10), Luke who remained (v.11), and Mark for ministry (v.11). Verses 14-15 stand out as a sharp, direct warning about Alexander the coppersmith, immediately preceding Paul's account of his defense and God's faithfulness despite being abandoned by others. The specific context emphasizes the real and dangerous opposition Paul faced and implicitly warns Timothy to expect and prepare for similar adversaries in his own ministry in Ephesus. Alexander's "withstand[ing] our words" points to his active opposition to the proclamation of the Gospel itself.

2 Timothy 4 15 Word analysis

• of whom: Referring to Alexander the coppersmith mentioned in the preceding verse (2 Tim 4:14), establishing him as the specific object of the warning. This particularity emphasizes a tangible, known threat.
• be thou ware: (Greek: phylassō - φυλάσσω) Implies to "guard oneself," "beware," or "watch out for." It's an active command for vigilance and caution, suggesting that Alexander posed a present or future threat. This is not passive observation but an alert readiness against potential harm or deceit.
• also: Indicates that Alexander's opposition to Timothy would be a continuation of what he had done to Paul. It connects Paul's experience directly to Timothy's future challenges, underscoring the universality of opposition to the gospel.
• for he hath: (Greek: gar autos - γὰρ αὐτὸς) "For he himself." This strengthens the reason for the warning, directly attributing the negative action to Alexander personally.
• greatly withstood: (Greek: ischurōs antedeixato - ἰσχυρῶς ἀντεδείξατο) This phrase combines two significant ideas:
  • greatly: (ischurōs - ἰσχυρῶς) Means "powerfully," "mightily," "severely." It implies strong, perhaps aggressive and persistent, opposition, not merely passive disagreement.
  • withstood: (antedeixato - ἀντεδείξατο from anti (against) + deiknymi (to show/display)) Literally, "showed himself against," "set himself in opposition to," or "openly displayed hostility." It signifies a public or prominent antagonistic stance, not just a private differing opinion. It's a forceful act of resistance or counter-argumentation.
• our words: (Greek: tous logous hēmōn - τοὺς λόγους ἡμῶν) Refers to the proclamation of the Gospel message and apostolic teaching shared by Paul and his fellow workers. This highlights that Alexander's opposition was not just personal animosity against Paul, but resistance to the truth of God's Word that Paul represented and preached. This includes the doctrine, the way of life, and the spiritual truth conveyed by the apostles.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "of whom be thou ware also": This forms a strong imperative of caution. Paul doesn't just mention Alexander in passing but singles him out as a person requiring active discernment and vigilance. The "also" signifies a continuity of experience—Paul faced him, and Timothy will, or has already, faced his antagonism.
• "for he hath greatly withstood our words": This phrase provides the specific reason and justification for the warning. The intensity indicated by "greatly" and the nature of "withstood" (active, public opposition) against "our words" (the Gospel message) reveal the severity of Alexander's threat, not just as a personal foe but as an enemy of the truth. It suggests that his actions had significant impact on the ministry and message.

2 Timothy 4 15 Bonus section

The specific identity of Alexander the coppersmith is a matter of scholarly discussion, though not definitively concluded. Some connect him to Alexander in Acts 19:33-34, who appeared in the Ephesian riot, potentially as a Jew seeking to distance himself or other Jews from the Christians. More commonly, he is identified with the Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20, whom Paul, alongside Hymenaeus, "delivered to Satan so that they might learn not to blaspheme." If these are indeed the same person, then Alexander's "greatly withstood our words" implies a progression from apostasy and blasphemy against the faith to active and prominent antagonism against its spread, perhaps having experienced judgment (delivered to Satan for chastisement) but hardening himself further. His trade, "coppersmith" (chalkeus - χαλκεύς), might suggest a public figure or one with skills allowing him to cause tangible harm (e.g., through legal charges, economic disruption, or physical attack). Paul's warning is not for Timothy to engage in physical retaliation, but to "beware"—to exercise caution, wisdom, and discernment to protect himself and the Gospel work from Alexander's harmful influence or actions. This highlights the practical, personal, and sometimes perilous realities of gospel ministry.

2 Timothy 4 15 Commentary

In 2 Timothy 4:15, Paul issues a highly personalized warning, a rare feature in his epistles where general principles are usually stressed. He directs Timothy to "be thou ware" of Alexander the coppersmith. This isn't just a casual heads-up; it's a command for active vigilance, for Timothy to protect himself and the ministry from a known and dangerous individual. The Greek term phylassō for "be ware" carries the weight of a sentinel on duty, guarding against threats.

The justification for this strong warning is that Alexander "hath greatly withstood our words." The intensity implied by "greatly" (ischurōs - mightily) indicates severe, aggressive, and perhaps sustained opposition. The term "withstood" (antedeixato - literally, "showed himself against") speaks to a public or active antagonism. This was not mere disagreement but direct, hostile resistance. Crucially, his opposition was directed not merely at Paul as a person but at "our words"—the shared message of the Gospel that Paul, Timothy, and their fellow workers proclaimed. This elevates Alexander from a personal enemy to an adversary of the truth, making his threat spiritual as well as practical.

This passage underscores several enduring truths for Christian ministry:

1. Opposition is inevitable: True ministry often encounters fierce resistance from individuals or groups.
2. Discernment is essential: Leaders must be acutely aware of who poses a threat to the gospel and the flock.
3. Specific warnings are sometimes necessary: While generally promoting love, prudence sometimes requires naming and warning against those who actively harm the church or undermine the truth.
4. Protecting the message: The ultimate concern is the integrity and progress of the "words"—the saving message of Christ.

Practically, this means:

• A leader must sometimes identify and address those who are causing spiritual harm within or outside the church.
• Believers should be cautious about associating with those who demonstrate open hostility to Christ and His Word.
• The nature of Alexander's opposition—against "our words"—serves as a reminder that spiritual battle often revolves around truth and false teaching.