You too should beware of himThis phrase is a direct warning from Paul to Timothy, emphasizing the need for vigilance. The "him" refers to Alexander the coppersmith, mentioned earlier in the chapter, who caused Paul much harm. This warning highlights the reality of opposition in ministry and the need for discernment. In the broader biblical context, warnings against false teachers and those who oppose the gospel are common (e.g.,
Matthew 7:15,
Acts 20:29-31). The personal nature of this warning underscores the relational aspect of early Christian communities and the importance of protecting the integrity of the message.
for he has vigorously opposed our message
The opposition described here is not passive but active and intense. The term "vigorously" suggests a determined effort to undermine the gospel. This reflects the broader context of early Christian persecution and the challenges faced by the apostles in spreading the message of Christ. Historically, figures like Alexander may have had significant influence, possibly using their trade connections to sway public opinion or incite legal action against Christians. This opposition is reminiscent of the resistance faced by Jesus and the apostles, as seen in passages likeJohn 15:18-20 andActs 4:1-3. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare inherent in the proclamation of the gospel, as described inEphesians 6:12.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul- The apostle and author of the letter, writing to Timothy with instructions and warnings.
2.
Timothy- A young pastor and close companion of Paul, recipient of the letter.
3.
Alexander the Coppersmith- The individual who opposed Paul's message, mentioned earlier in
2 Timothy 4:14.
4.
Ephesus- The likely location where Timothy was ministering and where Alexander may have caused trouble.
5.
The Message- Refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul was preaching.
Teaching Points
Vigilance in MinistryBelievers must be alert and discerning about those who oppose the Gospel, recognizing that opposition can come from within and outside the church.
Personal ResponsibilityPaul instructs Timothy to "be on guard," emphasizing personal responsibility in safeguarding the truth of the Gospel.
The Reality of OppositionOpposition to the Gospel is a reality that believers must be prepared to face, understanding that it can be vigorous and persistent.
The Importance of DiscernmentDiscernment is crucial in identifying those who oppose the message of Christ, ensuring that the church remains rooted in sound doctrine.
Encouragement in PerseveranceDespite opposition, believers are encouraged to persevere in their faith and ministry, trusting in God's ultimate justice and protection.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 4:15?
2.How can we be vigilant against those who oppose the gospel today?
3.What does 2 Timothy 4:15 teach about dealing with opposition?
4.How does Paul's warning relate to Jesus' teachings on false prophets?
5.How can we apply Paul's caution to our personal spiritual journey?
6.What steps can we take to protect our faith from harmful influences?
7.Why does Paul warn Timothy about Alexander in 2 Timothy 4:15?
8.How does 2 Timothy 4:15 reflect early Christian challenges?
9.What does Alexander's opposition reveal about early church conflicts?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 4?
11.How can we effectively preach the gospel today?
12.Who was Alexander the coppersmith in the Bible?
13.If 2 Timothy 4:14-15 implies a divine retribution on Alexander, how does this reconcile with New Testament teachings on forgiveness and mercy?
14.Why does God permit the existence of false teachers?What Does 2 Timothy 4:15 Mean
You tooPaul shifts his gaze directly to Timothy—“You too” (2 Timothy 4:15)—and by extension to every believer who reads this letter.
• Personal responsibility: just as Timothy had watched Paul face danger (2 Timothy 3:10–11), now he must take up that same vigilance.
• Shared calling: the phrase echoes2 Timothy 2:1, “You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” reminding us that gospel ministry is never a spectator sport.
• Universal application:Acts 20:28 calls every shepherd to “Keep watch over yourselves and the whole flock,” showing that watchfulness is woven into Christian leadership.
should beware of himThe command is clear: “should beware of him.”
• Active caution: Timothy is not told merely to be aware but to beware—an intentional, alert stance (cf.Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets”).
• Named opposition: Paul has just identified Alexander the coppersmith (4:14), the same Alexander likely mentioned in1 Timothy 1:19–20. Past experience teaches present caution.
• Guarding doctrine and people:Titus 1:9–11 shows elders silencing empty talkers for the sake of the flock; that same protective impulse sits behind Paul’s warning here.
for he has vigorously opposedAlexander’s resistance was not passive; he “vigorously opposed” the apostolic work.
• Hostility expected: Jesus said, “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you” (John 15:20).
• Historical pattern: Elymas “opposed” Paul inActs 13:8; Jannes and Jambres “opposed Moses” (2 Timothy 3:8). The gospel always meets determined pushback.
• Spiritual warfare:Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that opposition is ultimately spiritual, even when human faces front the battle.
our messageThe target of Alexander’s hostility is “our message”—the good news entrusted to Paul and Timothy.
• Singular gospel:Galatians 1:11–12 insists that Paul’s message is received “through a revelation of Jesus Christ,” not human design.
• Stewardship:2 Timothy 1:13–14 urges Timothy to “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching…guard the treasure entrusted to you.”
• Gospel first: Paul does not ask for personal vengeance; his concern is the integrity of the message that saves (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).
summaryPaul’s brief command packs lifelong counsel: each believer must personally stay alert, discerning real threats to the gospel, because determined opponents will arise. Our vigilance protects the priceless message God has entrusted to us, ensuring that despite fierce resistance, the good news continues to spread unhindered.
(15)
Of whom be thou ware also.--This Alexander was evidently then at Ephesus. That he had been at Rome, and had given evidence against St. Paul, and had argued against the defence of the Apostle, is probable. "Our words" some understand as especially referring to St. Paul's defence before the imperial tribunal. If we identify him with the Alexander of
Acts 19:33-34, then he was a Jew, one of those bitter, life-long antagonists of the Gentile Apostle who crossed his path at every step, and not improbably brought about, in the end, his death. It is an interesting suggestion which refers the connection between St. Paul and Alexander back to those days when Saul and Alexander were both reckoned as belonging to the strictest Pharisee party, determined foes to the "Nazarenes." Saul--if we adopt this supposition--became the Apostle St. Paul of the Gentiles; Alexander remained a fanatic Jew--hence the enmity.
Verse 15. -
Withstood for
hath withstood, A.V. Of whom be thou ware (
ο{ν φυλάσσου). This is the proper construction in classical Greek, the accusative of the person or thing, after
φυλάσσομαι. But it is only found in
Acts 21:25. In
Luke 12:15 the equally correct phrase,
Φυλάσσεσθε ἀπὸ τῆς πλεονεξιας, is used. The inference from this caution to Timothy is that Alexander had left Rome and returned to his native Ephesus. The Jews were always on the move.
He greatly withstood our words (
ἀντέστη). For an exactly similar use, see
Acts 13:8, where Elymas "withstood" Paul and Barnabas; and
2 Timothy 3:8, where Jannes and Jambres "withstood" Moses. In this case we may be sure that Paul, in pleading for his life, did not omit to preach the gospel to his Gentile audience. Alexander tried to refute his words, not without effect. The apostle says "
our words" (not "
my words"), perhaps to associate with himself those other Christians who were with him. It certainly cannot mean "yours and mine," as Timothy was not with him when the "words" were spoken.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Youσὺ(sy)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.tooκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.should beware ofφυλάσσου(phylassou)Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5442:Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid.[him],ὃν(hon)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.he has vigorously opposedἀντέστη(antestē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 436:To set against; I withstand, resist, oppose. From anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose.ourἡμετέροις(hēmeterois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2251:Our, our own. From thnetos; our.message.λόγοις(logois)Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.
Links
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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:15 Of whom you also must beware (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) 
