Alexander the Copper-Smith is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the pastoral epistles attributed to the Apostle Paul. His mention is brief but significant, as it highlights the challenges and opposition faced by early Christian leaders and communities.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Alexander the Copper-Smith is found in 2 Timothy 4:14-15 : "Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message."

Context and Background:

Alexander is identified as a "coppersmith," indicating his profession involved working with metals, possibly crafting items such as tools, utensils, or idols. The term "coppersmith" (Greek: χαλκεύς, chalkeus) suggests a skilled artisan, which was a respected trade in the ancient world. His profession might have given him a certain level of influence or standing within his community.

Opposition to Paul:

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, warns his young protégé about Alexander's opposition. The nature of the harm Alexander caused is not detailed, but it is described as significant enough for Paul to mention it specifically. This opposition could have been verbal, legal, or even physical, reflecting the broader hostility faced by early Christians from various societal sectors, including tradespeople whose livelihoods might have been threatened by the spread of Christianity.

Theological Implications:

Paul's response to Alexander's actions is noteworthy. He entrusts judgment to the Lord, saying, "The Lord will repay him according to his deeds." This reflects a deep trust in divine justice and a refusal to seek personal vengeance, aligning with the broader Christian teaching of leaving judgment to God (Romans 12:19).

Warnings to Timothy:

Paul's warning to Timothy to "beware of him" underscores the ongoing threat Alexander posed to the Christian mission. It serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in ministry and the reality of opposition that can arise from unexpected quarters. This cautionary note highlights the need for discernment and preparedness in the face of adversaries.

Historical and Cultural Considerations:

The mention of Alexander the Copper-Smith provides insight into the socio-economic backdrop of the early church. Artisans like Alexander were integral to the economy, and their opposition to the Christian message could stem from economic, religious, or social motivations. The spread of Christianity often disrupted established norms and practices, leading to conflicts with those invested in the status quo.

Conclusion:

While the details of Alexander's actions and motivations remain sparse, his mention in the New Testament serves as a testament to the real and personal challenges faced by early Christian leaders. His account is a reminder of the perseverance required in the face of opposition and the ultimate reliance on God's justice and protection.1 Timothy 1:20
Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
Nave's Topical Index

223. Alexandros -- Alexander, a son of Simon of Cyrene, also a ...
... Alexander, a son of Simon of Cyrene, also a coppersmith, also two Jews. Part of
Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Alexandros Phonetic Spelling: (al-ex'-an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/223.htm - 6k

De Sermone Domini in Monte, Lib. I. 22, 73.
... For so he says: "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him
according to his works: of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly ...
/.../de sermone domini in monte.htm

Christ's Flesh in Nature, the Same as Ours, Only Sinless the ...
... [It may be that this is an epithet, rather than a name, given to some enemy of truth
like Alexander the "Coppersmith" (2 Timothy 4:14) or like that (1 Timothy 1 ...
/.../tertullian/ on the flesh of christ/chapter xvi christs flesh in nature.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... of God, [710]393. Ahithophel, example of flattery, [711]205. Alexander the
coppersmith, [712]391. Alexander, called the Macedonian ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Walamir and Eutyches
... Wait till I catch you,' he said. Alexander the Coppersmith did me much evil,'
said Eutyches demurely. 'And that reminds me I never ...
/.../chapter xxxv walamir and eutyches.htm

Chapter xxii.
... pardoned. For thus he expresses it: "Alexander the coppersmith did me much
evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works. Of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xxii.htm

Prologue.
... Of these was the famous Alexander, the coppersmith, [967] a man of no sort of
distinction at all,"no nobility of birth, no eloquence of speech, who never led ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/prologue.htm

The Pastoral Epistles
... latter there to organize the churches, Tit.1: 5, and returning to Ephesus according
to his wishes, I:Tim.3:14; 4:13, where Alexander the coppersmith did him ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the pastoral epistles.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... than to receive.". Ver.14. "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil;
the Lord reward him according to his works.". Here he again ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

A Relation of My Imprisonment in the Month of November 1660
... Indeed, I do remember that I have read of one Alexander a coppersmith, who did much
oppose, and disturb the apostles;" (aiming it is like at me, because I ...
/.../grace abounding to the chief of sinners/a relation of my imprisonment.htm

A Relaton of the Imprisonment of Mr. John Bunyan, Minister of the ...
... Indeed I do remember that I have read of one Alexander a coppersmith, who did much
oppose and disturb the apostles;"aiming, it is like, at me, because I was ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a relaton of the imprisonment.htm

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