2 Timothy 4:15
You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.
You too
This phrase is a direct address from Paul to Timothy, emphasizing personal responsibility and vigilance. The Greek word "σὺ" (sy) is used here, which is a singular pronoun, indicating that Paul is speaking directly to Timothy. This personal touch highlights the importance of individual awareness and action in the face of opposition. In a broader sense, it serves as a reminder to all believers to be personally engaged and alert in their spiritual journey.

should beware
The Greek word "φυλάσσω" (phylassō) is used here, which means to guard or to watch over. This term conveys a sense of active vigilance and protection. In the historical context, this would resonate with the idea of a watchman on a city wall, always alert to potential threats. For Christians, this implies a need to be spiritually discerning and cautious, especially when faced with those who might undermine the faith.

of him
This refers to Alexander the coppersmith, mentioned earlier in the chapter. The specificity of "him" indicates a known adversary, someone who has been identified as a threat to the ministry. Historically, this highlights the reality of personal opposition that early Christians faced, often from individuals within their own communities. It serves as a reminder that opposition can be personal and targeted, requiring wisdom and discernment.

for he has vigorously opposed
The Greek word "ἀνθίστημι" (anthistēmi) is used here, meaning to set oneself against or to resist. The adverb "πολύς" (polys) intensifies this opposition, suggesting a strong, active resistance. This phrase underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the persistent nature of some adversaries. It reminds believers that opposition to the Gospel can be intense and requires steadfastness and courage.

our message
The term "λόγος" (logos) is used for "message," which in this context refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The use of "our" indicates a shared mission and message among Paul, Timothy, and other believers. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of the early Church and its unified proclamation of the Gospel. It serves as an encouragement to maintain unity and clarity in the message of Christ, even in the face of opposition.

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 Ministry
Believers must be alert and discerning about those who oppose the Gospel, recognizing that opposition can come from within and outside the church.

Personal Responsibility
Paul instructs Timothy to "be on guard," emphasizing personal responsibility in safeguarding the truth of the Gospel.

The Reality of Opposition
Opposition to the Gospel is a reality that believers must be prepared to face, understanding that it can be vigorous and persistent.

The Importance of Discernment
Discernment is crucial in identifying those who oppose the message of Christ, ensuring that the church remains rooted in sound doctrine.

Encouragement in Perseverance
Despite opposition, believers are encouraged to persevere in their faith and ministry, trusting in God's ultimate justice and protection.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we identify individuals who oppose the Gospel in our own context, and what steps can we take to guard against their influence?

2. In what ways does Paul's warning to Timothy about Alexander apply to modern-day church leadership and ministry?

3. How can we balance being on guard against opposition while still showing love and grace to those who may oppose us?

4. What other biblical examples can you find of individuals who opposed God's message, and how were they dealt with?

5. How does understanding the original Greek term for "vigorously opposed" enhance our comprehension of the nature of the opposition Paul faced?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 19:33-34
Alexander is possibly the same individual mentioned during the uproar in Ephesus, showing a history of opposition.

1 Timothy 1:20
Paul previously mentions Alexander, indicating a pattern of behavior against the faith.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Paul warns about false apostles and deceitful workers, which aligns with the opposition faced from individuals like Alexander.
PersonalR. Finlayson 2 Timothy 4:9-22
The Warning Against Alexander the CoppersmithT. Croskery 2 Timothy 4:14, 15
People
Alexander, Aquila, Claudia, Crescens, Demas, Erastus, Eubulus, Linus, Luke, Mark, Onesiphorus, Paul, Prisca, Priscilla, Pudens, Timothy, Titus, Trophimus, Tychicus
Places
Corinth, Dalmatia, Ephesus, Galatia, Miletus, Thessalonica, Troas
Topics
Attacks, Aware, Beware, Greatly, Guard, Message, Opposed, Preaching, Stood, Strongly, Teaching, Vigorously, Violent, Violently, Ware, Watch, Withstood
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Timothy 4:15

     8490   watchfulness
     8785   opposition

2 Timothy 4:14-15

     4345   metalworkers
     8032   trust, lack of

Library
Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

A Last Look-Out
We have mainly to do with the second description which he gives of his death. What does he say when the hour that this grim monster must be grappled with is at hand? I do not find him sad. Those who delight in gloomy poetry have often represented death in terrible language. "It is hard," says one-- To feel the hand of death arrest one's steps, Throw a chill blight on all one's budding hopes, And hurl one's soul untimely to the shades." And another exclaims-- "O God, it is a fearful thing To see the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
Of brotherly rebuke and admonition, how far it is advisable and seemly or not, and especially how prelates and governors ought to demean themselves toward their subjects. 2 Tim. iv. 2.--"Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine." THIS is the lesson which St. Paul gives to his beloved disciple Timothy, whom he set to rule over men, and it equally behoves all pastors of souls and magistrates, to possess these two things,--long-suffering and doctrine. First, it is their office to
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Demas
BY REV. PRINCIPAL DAVID ROWLANDS, B.A. Many a man who figures in history, is only known in connection with some stupendous fault--some mistake, some folly, or some sin--that has given him an unenviable immortality. Mention his name, and the huge blot by which his memory is besmirched starts up before the mind in all its hideousness. Take Cain, for example. He occupies the foremost rank as regards fame; his name is one of the first that children learn to lisp; and yet what do we know about him?
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Some Other Writers of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap L) Ancient engraving of man reading scroll] Let us now look at the rest of the books which make up the New Testament. In the days when Paul preached at Athens, the old capital of Greece, much of the ancient splendour and power of the Greek people had passed away, for the Romans had conquered their country, and they were no longer a free nation. Yet, although the Greeks had been forced to yield to Rome, their conquerors knew that the Grecian scholars and artists were far
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Epistle Liii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1503] . Though consideration of the case moves me, yet charity also impels me to write, since I have written once and again to my most holy brother the lord John, but have received no letter from him. For some one else, a secular person, addressed me under his name; seeing that, if those were really his letters, I have not been vigilant, having believed of him something far different from what I have found. For I had written about the
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How the Meek and the Passionate are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 17.) Differently to be admonished are the meek and the passionate. For sometimes the meek, when they are in authority, suffer from the torpor of sloth, which is a kindred disposition, and as it were placed hard by. And for the most part from the laxity of too great gentleness they soften the force of strictness beyond need. But on the other hand the passionate, in that they are swept on into frenzy of mind by the impulse of anger, break up the calm of quietness, and so throw into
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Fulfilled Aspiration
'So that I might finish my course....'--ACTS xx. 24. 'I have finished my course....'--2 TIM. iv. 7. I do not suppose that Paul in prison, and within sight of martyrdom, remembered his words at Ephesus. But the fact that what was aspiration whilst he was in the very thick of his difficulties came to be calm retrospect at the close is to me very beautiful and significant. 'So that I may finish my course,' said he wistfully; whilst before him there lay dangers clearly discerned and others that had all
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Glory of Jesus and Mary.
Before entering upon the contemplation of the excellent glory which surrounds the blessed in heaven, we must endeavor to form a correct idea of God's grace, which enabled them to perform the great and noble actions we are now to consider. They were all, except Jesus and Mary, conceived in sin, and, therefore, subject to the same temptations that daily assail us. They never could have triumphed and reached the supernatural glory which now surrounds them, had they been left to their own natural strength,
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
In conclusion I feel that the Lord would be pleased for me to say a few words for the encouragement of young ministers and workers. In my work in the ministry I have come through many varied experiences that, I trust, will be helpful to you in the trials through which you will have to pass before you get settled in the Lord's work. The first difficulty met by most young ministers and workers is in regard to their call. Unless the call be clear and definite, they are likely to be in some doubt as
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

Author's Introduction,
In Which the Sources of This History Are Principally Treated A history of the "Origin of Christianity" ought to embrace all the obscure, and, if one might so speak, subterranean periods which extend from the first beginnings of this religion up to the moment when its existence became a public fact, notorious and evident to the eyes of all. Such a history would consist of four books. The first, which I now present to the public, treats of the particular fact which has served as the starting-point
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Perseverance
'Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.' I Pet 1:1. The fifth and last fruit of sanctification, is perseverance in grace. The heavenly inheritance is kept for the saints, and they are kept to the inheritance. I Pet 1:1. The apostle asserts a saint's stability and permanence in grace. The saint's perseverance is much opposed by Papists and Arminians; but it is not the less true because it is opposed. A Christian's main comfort depends upon this doctrine of perseverance. Take
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Conflict and Comfort.
"For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ."--COL. ii. 1, 2. Although he was in prison the Apostle was constantly at work for his Master, and not least of all at the work of prayer. If ever the words
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

Concerning God's Purpose
1. God's purpose is the cause of salvation. THE third and last thing in the text, which I shall but briefly glance at, is the ground and origin of our effectual calling, in these words, "according to his purpose" (Eph. i. 11). Anselm renders it, According to his good will. Peter Martyr reads it, According to His decree. This purpose, or decree of God, is the fountainhead of our spiritual blessings. It is the impulsive cause of our vocation, justification, glorification. It is the highest link in
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Second Missionary Journey
Scripture, Acts 15:36-18:22 +The Inception+--After the Jerusalem Council Paul returned to Antioch where he spent some time, "teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord with many others also." "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren i+The Companions+ (Acts 15:37-40).--Barnabas proposed to take John Mark, his nephew, with them on this second journey. But Paul strenuously objected, basing his objection on the ground that this young man had deserted them
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

How the Gospels came to be Written
[Illustration: (drop cap B) Early Christian Lamp] But how did the story of the Saviour's life on earth come to be written? We have seen that many years passed before any one thought of writing it down at all. The men and women who had really seen Him, who had listened to His voice, looked into His face, and who knew that He had conquered death and sin for evermore, could not sit down to write, for their hearts were all on fire to speak. But as the years passed, the number of those who had seen Christ
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Because There is not a Single Scripture in the Church Epistles Which, Rightly Interpreted, Teaches a Partial Rapture.
How could there be? Scripture cannot contradict itself. If the Pauline Epistles explicitly teach and expressly affirm that "all shall be changed in a moment," that "they that are Christ's at His coming shall be raised from the dead, that "we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ" and that when our lord returns to the earth to be glorified in His saints He shall be "admired in all them that believe" then these same Church Epistles can not teach that a part of the Church only shall be
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Curiosity a Temptation to Sin.
"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."--Proverbs iv. 14, 15. The chief cause of the wickedness which is every where seen in the world, and in which, alas! each of us has more or less his share, is our curiosity to have some fellowship with darkness, some experience of sin, to know what the pleasures of sin are like. I believe it is even thought unmanly by many persons (though they may not like to say
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

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