A Warning About a Coppersmith

2 Timothy 4:14-15

It seems like almost everything has a warning label on it today. For example, we have warning labels on food and clothing, as well as household products that contain hazardous materials. These labels can be helpful as they endeavor to warn of danger and provide caution for potential consequences. The Bible has many warnings too, and they serve the same general purpose. One of the more unique, yet helpful, is a warning about a coppersmith.

Although Paul often encouraged his beloved son in the faith, Timothy, he also warned him of potential danger. In 2 Timothy 4:14-15, Paul warns him of someone who had caused great harm to the apostle. The man in question was Alexander, the coppersmith. A coppersmith was a “worker in any kind of metals; probably Alexander was so called (2 Tim. 4:14) because copper was in such common use.”[1] Since this was a common name at this time, it is uncertain exactly who he was.[2] What we do know is that this man caused great harm or evil (kakḗ) to Paul.

“Kakḗ means - One who is evil in himself and, as such, gets others in trouble. In a moral sense meaning wicked, vicious, bad in heart, conduct, and character. Actively causing evil, i.e., hurtful, harmful.”[3]

Paul reminds Timothy that Alexander had vigorously opposed him with words, and so he too must be on guard. Here you see the love Paul had for Timothy by pointing out the potential danger. Often love is seen in warning others about potential danger and their consequences. But even though the man had caused some unknown harm/evil, Paul reminds Timothy that God’s judgment is certain on Alexander. What a great reminder not to seek personal revenge, but rather to leave everything to the Lord. Paul states that the Lord “will,” not “might,” repay Alexander one day. Will (apodídōmi) is future indicative as opposed to wishing God would do this. In other words, it expresses certainty versus imprecation.

“Instead of desiring personal vengeance, Paul leaves the matter of retribution to the Lord. It is not an imprecation upon him but a calm forecast of this coming judgment from the evidence of his works.”[4]

Just like warnings today, Paul warns Timothy of an evil man who could cause potential harm to him. Just as Paul warned Timothy, love often involves warning others about spiritual dangers. Paul also provides assurance that God will make things right one day. As such, they could both leave all judgment to the Lord (Deut. 32:35; Romans 12:19) rather than taking matters into their own hands. What a timeless promise to remember. God will certainly repay all evil, so we do not have to carry the burden of righting the wrongs of life.

Lord, help me to show love to others by warning them of danger, whether it is a person or teaching. I also know that the human tendency is to seek revenge, but this is not the way of the Lord Jesus. Help me to rest in knowing you will deal with all of the “Coppersmiths” in this world in Your perfect timing. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary.

[2] Suggestions and conjecture references are found in Acts 19:33 and 1 Timothy 1:20.

[3] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament.

[4] D. Edmond Hiebert. Second Timothy, pg. 120.