Opponent of Paul, along with Hymenaeus
Alexander
Named in 2 verses across 2 books, first in 1 Timothy 1:20.
ἈλέξανδροςAlexander
The name means “one who assists men.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Alexander Written by AI
Alexander is mentioned by Paul in his letters to Timothy as an individual who opposed his teaching and caused him harm. In the first letter to Timothy, Paul writes that he had handed Alexander and Hymenaeus over to Satan, so that they might learn not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:20) Hymenaeus and Alexander had apparently departed from the truth and were promoting false teachings that were contrary to Paul's message. By handing them over to Satan, Paul was likely indicating that he had removed them from the protection and fellowship of the church, allowing them to experience the consequences of their actions and hopefully leading them to repentance. In the second letter to Timothy, written near the end of Paul's life, he mentions Alexander the coppersmith, who had done him great harm and strongly opposed his message. (2 Timothy 4:14) It is not clear whether this is the same Alexander mentioned in the first letter, but both individuals are portrayed as antagonists to Paul and his ministry. Paul warns Timothy to be on guard against Alexander, suggesting that he posed a significant threat to the church and its teachings. Paul also expresses his trust in God's justice, stating that the Lord will repay Alexander for his actions. (2 Timothy 4:14) These passages highlight the challenges and opposition that Paul and the early church faced from individuals who sought to undermine the gospel message and promote false teachings. They also demonstrate Paul's commitment to maintaining the purity of the church's doctrine and his willingness to take disciplinary action when necessary.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Alexander, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Man-defender. (1.) A relative of Annas the high priest, present when Peter and John were examined before the Sanhedrim (Acts 4:6).
(2.) A man whose father, Simon the Cyrenian, bore the cross of Christ (Mark 15:21).
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(3.) A Jew of Ephesus who took a prominent part in the uproar raised there by the preaching of Paul (Acts 19:33). The Jews put him forward to plead their cause before the mob. It was probably intended that he should show that he and the other Jews had no sympathy with Paul any more than the Ephesians had. It is possible that this man was the same as the following.
(4.) A coppersmith who, with Hymenaeus and others, promulgated certain heresies regarding the resurrection (1 Tim. 1:19; 2 Tim. 4:14), and made shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience. Paul excommunicated him (1 Tim. 1:20; comp. 1 Cor. 5:5).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- 1 Timothy 1:20
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
- 2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.