What does 2 Timothy 4:14 mean?
Paul certainly preached gentleness and peace. And yet, as this verse shows, he was not afraid to name names when the situation called for it. Here, he specifically warns Timothy about a particular person, "Alexander the coppersmith." Alexander was an extremely common name during this era. There are at least three Alexanders mentioned in other portions of the New Testament (Mark 15:21; Acts 4:6; 19:33). The man Paul refers to here may be the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20, whom Paul "handed over to Satan." This verse does not make this clear, however. Some have also suggested the man referred to here is the same Jewish Alexander in Acts 19:33–34, who was in Ephesus.Given Paul's comments here, he does not view Alexander the coppersmith as a believer. Paul's allusion to Psalm 28:4 is a reference to the ungodly ones who will be punished by God for their crimes. Alexander seems to have been a significant antagonist to Paul. The next verse describes that he strongly opposed the gospel. He clearly frustrated Paul and seems to have been an ongoing problem when Paul wrote this letter. Timothy is to watch out for him as well.
Second Timothy 4:9–18 updates Timothy on Paul's ministry partners, as well as his antagonists. Some of Paul's friends have been sent out on missionary causes. Others, such as Demas, have turned their back on Paul and abandoned him. Only Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, is still with him. Paul specifically warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith. Paul knows full well that he will not survive this trip through the Roman legal system. Rather than despair, he still rejoices in his salvation and praises God.
Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.
