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2 Timothy 4:14–15
In 2 Timothy 4:14-15 (NKJV) the Apostle Paul states, “14Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.” This may sound as if Paul is wishing punishment for Alexander, who has disapproved of Paul sharing the gospel, but we must look carefully at Paul’s wording of this statement as the Bible teaches us in Deuteronomy 32:35 as the LORD states, “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.” Paul notes this in Romans 12:19–21 and teaches, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
Paul words his statement very carefully as to keep within God’s teaching as he knows that we all will be rewarded for our works in the end. The Great White Throne Judgment is described in Revelation 20:11–15 and states, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
This is a command to beware of those who are against the sharing of the gospel message.
It seems obvious that Paul was not fond of Alexander, and many people may believe that Paul is condemning Alexander in 2 Timothy 4:14, but Paul is, by his words, giving God the authority to do with Alexander as is fit according to the Great White Throne Judgment. Paul is, however, warning Timothy to beware of such people who are out to hinder the spreading of the gospel message.
We too, will experience people who are resistant to the sharing of our testimony as we reach out to them to share what the Lord Jesus has done in our lives. When we feel resistance it is natural to press back, but it is important that we strive to reflect Jesus to these people. In the future it will be the kindness we showed to them that may lead to the Lord convicting their heart to repentance.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to beware of those who may attempt to hinder the work You are doing in our lives that we may be prepared for defending You in proper form. The Apostle Peter declared in 1 Peter 3:15–16, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” Please help us to follow this LORD and bring glory to You through our lives – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.