2 Timothy 4:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Of whom {G3739} be {G5442} thou {G4771} ware {G5442} also {G2532}; for {G1063} he hath {G436} greatly {G3029} withstood {G436} our {G2251} words {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and you should guard against him, because he bitterly opposed everything we said.

Berean Standard Bible

You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.

American Standard Version

of whom do thou also beware; for he greatly withstood our words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this final, urgent letter, the Apostle Paul issues a solemn warning to his beloved protégé, Timothy, concerning an individual named Alexander the coppersmith. Paul instructs Timothy to "be thou ware" (be on guard or watch out) for Alexander, explaining that this individual had "greatly withstood our words," indicating a significant and active opposition to Paul's apostolic teaching and the gospel message. This verse underscores the necessity of discernment and vigilance in ministry, protecting both the leader and the flock from those who actively undermine the truth of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's second epistle to Timothy, his final known letter, penned from a Roman prison shortly before his martyrdom. The overarching tone of the letter is one of urgency, exhortation, and pastoral instruction, as Paul passes the torch of ministry to Timothy. Immediately preceding [2 Timothy 4:15](/2_timothy/4-15 "2 Timothy 4:15 - Paul's Warning About Alexander"), [2 Timothy 4:14](/2_timothy/4-14 "2 Timothy 4:14 - Alexander the Coppersmith") explicitly names "Alexander the coppersmith" as the individual in question, stating that he "did me much evil." This direct identification highlights the personal nature of the warning while also emphasizing its broader implications for Timothy's ministry. Paul's instructions here are part of a larger section (beginning in [2 Timothy 4:9](/2_timothy/4-9 "2 Timothy 4:9 - Paul's Final Instructions to Timothy")) where he gives specific directives regarding his immediate needs, future ministry plans, and warnings about various individuals, both faithful companions and adversaries. The warning about Alexander serves as a concrete example of the spiritual dangers Timothy would face in his calling.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's imprisonment in Rome (likely his second, more severe imprisonment) meant he was isolated and facing imminent execution. The early Christian movement was a minority religion, often viewed with suspicion or hostility by Roman authorities and sometimes by Jewish communities. Within the nascent church itself, false teachers and those who opposed apostolic doctrine were a constant threat, as evidenced throughout Paul's epistles. Alexander the coppersmith's identity is debated among scholars; he might be the Alexander involved in the riot at Ephesus ([Acts 19:33](/acts/19-33 "Acts 19:33 - Alexander in Ephesus")), or the one delivered to Satan by Paul alongside Hymenaeus for blasphemy ([1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Hymenaeus and Alexander")). Regardless of his precise prior history, he was clearly a known and active antagonist to Paul's ministry. His trade as a "coppersmith" suggests he was a craftsman, possibly a prominent figure in his community, which could have lent weight to his opposition. The warning reflects the real-world dangers faced by early Christian leaders from those who actively sought to undermine the gospel's spread.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in 2 Timothy and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Discernment and Vigilance**, urging believers, especially leaders, to "be thou ware" and recognize those who pose a threat to sound doctrine and spiritual well-being. This aligns with Paul's consistent call for believers to be discerning, as seen in passages like [1 Thessalonians 5:21](/1_thessalonians/5-21 "1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test Everything") which instructs us to "test all things; hold fast what is good." Secondly, the verse highlights the reality of **Opposition to the Gospel**. Alexander's active resistance ("greatly withstood our words") exemplifies the inevitable spiritual warfare that accompanies the proclamation of truth. This is a recurring motif in Paul's ministry, where he frequently encountered adversaries who sought to discredit his message or person, reminding us that the path of faith often involves conflict, as articulated in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare") regarding wrestling against spiritual forces. Finally, the warning serves as an act of **Pastoral Protection**, demonstrating a spiritual leader's responsibility to guard the flock and those under their charge from harmful influences. Paul's concern for Timothy's safety and the purity of the gospel he preached reflects the shepherd's heart, echoing Christ's own warnings about false prophets in [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets and Their Fruits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ware (Greek, _phylássō_):** This verb means "to watch," "to be on guard," or "to keep oneself." It implies active vigilance and caution, often with the intent to protect or preserve. In this context, it's a direct command to Timothy to exercise careful discernment and take protective measures against Alexander. It's not merely passive awareness but an active state of readiness.
* **withstood (Greek, _anthístēmi_):** Derived from _anti_ (against) and _hístēmi_ (to stand), this word literally means "to stand against" or "to oppose." It denotes active resistance, confrontation, or antagonism. The use of this verb indicates that Alexander's opposition was not a passive disagreement but a deliberate, demonstrated effort to counter or undermine Paul's teachings and ministry.
* **words (Greek, _lógos_):** While literally meaning "something said" or "a word," in this theological context, _lógos_ often carries the weight of "message," "teaching," "doctrine," or even "the gospel." Paul is not merely referring to casual conversation but to the substance of his apostolic preaching and the truth of the Christian faith. Alexander's opposition was therefore directed against the very core of Paul's ministry and the divine message he proclaimed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of whom be thou ware also;":** This opening clause serves as an urgent and direct pastoral command from Paul to Timothy. "Of whom" refers back to Alexander the coppersmith, explicitly named in the preceding verse. The imperative "be thou ware" (from _phylássō_) instructs Timothy to be vigilant, cautious, and on guard against this individual. The "also" suggests that Alexander is another in a line of challenges or individuals Timothy must be wary of, fitting into the broader context of Paul's warnings against false teachers and adversaries. This is a protective measure, not an instigation to hostility, but a call to spiritual discernment.
* **"for he hath greatly withstood our words.":** This clause provides the crucial justification for Paul's warning. The conjunction "for" (_gár_) introduces the reason. Alexander's actions are described as having "greatly withstood" (from _anthístēmi_ and _lían_ meaning "much" or "exceedingly"). This signifies a strong, active, and perhaps public opposition. The object of his resistance is "our words," which, as analyzed above, refers to Paul's teachings, his apostolic message, and the gospel itself. This was not a minor disagreement but a significant, deliberate, and harmful antagonism against the truth Paul proclaimed, necessitating a clear warning to Timothy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a direct **Admonition** or **Pastoral Warning**, characteristic of Paul's epistles where he frequently advises his protégés on handling challenges in ministry. The use of the imperative "be thou ware" lends a sense of urgency and direct **Instruction**. The phrase "greatly withstood" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** to underscore the severity and intensity of Alexander's opposition, highlighting that his actions were not trivial but profoundly antagonistic. Furthermore, the verse serves as a **Case Study** or **Exemplum**, providing a concrete example of the kind of opposition Timothy (and future ministers) would face, thereby making the abstract concept of spiritual warfare tangible and relatable. The personal nature of the warning, naming Alexander, adds to its immediacy and impact, making it a powerful piece of **Pastoral Communication**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning concerning Alexander the coppersmith resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of spiritual warfare and the nature of truth. It underscores that the proclamation of the gospel is never without opposition, often from unexpected sources or those who once seemed aligned with the faith. This opposition is not merely against human words but against the divine message itself, reflecting a deeper spiritual conflict. The necessity for discernment, therefore, becomes a theological imperative, rooted in the understanding that the church must guard the purity of its doctrine and the integrity of its mission against those who seek to corrupt or undermine it. This vigilance is an act of love for God's truth and for the souls of believers, ensuring that the flock is protected from spiritual harm.

* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits"): "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare"): "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
* [Acts 20:29-31](/acts/20-29-31 "Acts 20:29-31 - Paul's Warning to Ephesian Elders"): "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's warning to Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that not everyone who claims to be a part of the faith, or who operates in proximity to ministry, truly upholds biblical truth. We are challenged to be "ware" – to be watchful, cautious, and discerning – not out of suspicion or cynicism, but out of a genuine desire to protect the integrity of the gospel and the spiritual well-being of the community. This requires a deep grounding in Scripture, a reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, and the courage to address harmful influences, whether they manifest as false doctrine, divisive behavior, or active opposition to God's work. While we are called to love all people, we are also instructed to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves")) when dealing with those who actively work against God's truth. The ultimate goal is not condemnation of individuals, but the preservation of truth and the protection of the flock, ensuring that the message of Christ is neither diluted nor undermined.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment in my own life to recognize potential threats to biblical truth?**
* **What does it mean to "be ware" of someone in a way that is both protective and Christ-like, avoiding judgmentalism?**
* **In what ways might "our words" (the gospel message) be "withstood" in contemporary society or even within Christian circles today?**
* **What is my responsibility, as an individual believer, in guarding the truth and protecting the spiritual health of my community?**

### FAQ

**Who was Alexander the coppersmith, and what was his significance?**

Answer: Alexander the coppersmith is an individual mentioned by Paul in [2 Timothy 4:14-15](/2_timothy/4-14-15 "2 Timothy 4:14-15 - Alexander the Coppersmith"). While his exact identity is not definitively known, he was clearly a significant adversary to Paul's ministry. Some scholars suggest he might be the Alexander mentioned in [Acts 19:33](/acts/19-33 "Acts 19:33 - Alexander in Ephesus") as a Jewish man put forward by the crowd during the Ephesian riot, or possibly one of the individuals (along with Hymenaeus) whom Paul "delivered to Satan" for blasphemy in [1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Hymenaeus and Alexander"). Regardless, his significance lies in his active and strong opposition ("greatly withstood our words") to Paul's preaching and the gospel message, making him a tangible example of the challenges faced by early Christian leaders. Paul's warning about him highlights the need for vigilance against those who undermine the faith.

**What does "he hath greatly withstood our words" imply about Alexander's actions?**

Answer: This phrase implies that Alexander's opposition was not passive disagreement but an active, intense, and perhaps public antagonism against Paul's teachings and the gospel. The Greek word for "withstood" (_anthístēmi_) means "to stand against" or "to oppose," indicating a deliberate and confrontational stance. The adverb "greatly" (_lían_) emphasizes the severity and extent of his resistance. This suggests Alexander actively tried to counter, discredit, or undermine Paul's preaching, possibly through false teaching, slander, or direct confrontation, causing significant harm to Paul's ministry and potentially to the church. It was a serious threat that warranted a direct warning to Timothy.

**How can believers apply this warning today without becoming judgmental or overly suspicious?**

Answer: Applying this warning requires discernment rather than suspicion. It calls believers to be grounded in biblical truth ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")), so they can recognize when "words" (teachings or messages) deviate from sound doctrine. The goal is to protect the integrity of the gospel and the spiritual well-being of the community, not to condemn individuals. This means evaluating teachings and actions against the standard of Scripture, praying for wisdom ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Ask for Wisdom")), and exercising caution with those who consistently promote division, undermine core Christian beliefs, or actively work against the church's mission. It's about being "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves")), discerning threats while maintaining a spirit of love and grace towards all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's urgent warning to Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith, who "greatly withstood our words," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ himself is the embodiment of "the Word" (_lógos_), as declared in [John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very truth that Alexander and others opposed. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus faced relentless opposition from those who "withstood" His words and sought to undermine His authority, from the religious leaders to the forces of darkness. Yet, Christ perfectly fulfilled His mission, demonstrating that truth will ultimately prevail against all resistance. His life, death, and resurrection represent the definitive victory over all spiritual principalities and powers, including those that manifest through human adversaries like Alexander. Believers are called to "be ware" not in their own strength, but by relying on Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Him, we find the discernment needed to identify false teachings ([Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Empty Deception")) and the courage to stand firm in the face of opposition, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to the Lamb of God, who will return to conquer all His foes ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")). Thus, the warning to Timothy is not a call to fear, but an exhortation to vigilance rooted in the triumphant sovereignty of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 3:8

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

Philippians 3:2

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:17

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;