Topical Bible: Brass: Alexander

◄ Brass: Alexander ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
In the context of the Bible, "Brass" often refers to a metal alloy, typically bronze, which is a combination of copper and tin. It is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, symbolizing strength, durability, and judgment. The term "Alexander" in the Bible refers to several individuals, but most notably, Alexander the coppersmith, who is mentioned in the New Testament. This entry explores the significance of brass in biblical times and the role of Alexander the coppersmith.

Brass in the Bible:
Brass, or bronze, was a significant material in ancient times, used for various purposes, including the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. It was valued for its strength and resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for crafting tools, weapons, and sacred objects.

1. Tabernacle and Temple:
· The altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle was overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:1-2). This use of brass symbolized the enduring nature of God's covenant and the strength required for atonement.
· The bronze laver, used by priests for ceremonial washing, was made from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 38:8).

2. Symbolism:
· Brass often symbolizes judgment and strength. In the vision of Daniel, the statue's belly and thighs were made of bronze, representing the Greek Empire (Daniel 2:32).
· The feet of the angelic figure in Revelation are described as "like polished bronze," indicating divine judgment and purity (Revelation 1:15).

Alexander the Coppersmith:
Alexander the coppersmith is a New Testament figure mentioned by the Apostle Paul. His role and actions provide insight into the challenges faced by early Christians.

1. Biblical References:
· In 2 Timothy 4:14, Paul warns Timothy about Alexander: "Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds" . This indicates that Alexander was an adversary to Paul, possibly opposing his teachings or causing disruption within the early Christian community.

2. Context and Implications:
· Alexander's opposition to Paul highlights the resistance faced by the early Church from both external and internal sources. His actions serve as a reminder of the spiritual warfare and perseverance required to uphold the truth of the Gospel.
· The mention of Alexander as a "coppersmith" may imply his involvement in the trade of crafting idols or other items contrary to Christian teachings, further exacerbating his opposition to Paul's mission.

Conclusion:
While brass in the Bible symbolizes strength and judgment, Alexander the coppersmith represents the challenges and opposition encountered by the early Church. His mention in the New Testament serves as a cautionary tale of the resistance to the spread of the Gospel and the steadfastness required to overcome such obstacles.

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

Library

How Alexander when He had Taken the Government Made an Expedition ...
... rank of Ptolemy's soldiers also had shields covered with brass. But Ptolemy's soldiers
in other respects were inferior to those of Alexander, and therefore ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how alexander when.htm

The Demons Allure Men to the Worship of Images.
... and Proteus, and Alexander who exert these energies in connection with the statues,
or is it the nature of the matter itself? But the matter is brass. ...
/.../athenagoras/a plea for the christians/chapter xxvi the demons allure men.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... He took the side of the new monarch, Alexander Balas, who sent him a crown of gold ...
the Jews passed a decree, and engraved it on tables of brass, making Simon ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

We Will Now Begin a Careful Consideration of Each Several Point...
... its matter, but on account of the form whereby the likeness of a living thing is
impressed upon it: the brass itself is not brass because of ... (Alexander Aphrod. ...
/.../boethius/the trinity is one god not three gods/ii we will now begin.htm

Then after the Lioness, the Prophet Sees a Second Beast Like a ...
... For after the Persians, Alexander king of the Macedonians held the sovereignty,
when he had destroyed Darius; and this is expressed by the brass in the image. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece xv then after the.htm

The Honors that were Paid the Jews; and the Leagues that were Made ...
... the son of Alexander, the high priest of the Jews, that may discourse with him about
a league of friendship and mutual assistance; and that a table of brass, ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 the honors that.htm

On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel.
... silver. Then the Greeks had the supremacy, beginning with Alexander of
Macedon, for 300 years, so that they were the brass. After ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel iii scholia on.htm

Concerning the Government of Claudius, and the Reign of Agrippa. ...
... the magistrates to have the donation engraved on tables of brass, and to ... sent Cuspius
Fadus to be its procurator, and after him Tiberius Alexander, who, making ...
/.../chapter 11 concerning the government.htm

Shod for the Road
... THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY SHOD FOR THE ROAD. 'Thy shoes shall be iron and brass;
and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.' Deuteronomy 33:25. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/shod for the road.htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... Now the belly and thighs of the image were of brass, and he said:"The third kingdom
shall rule in all the ... For Alexander, son of Philip, ruled in all the earth ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm