Alexander the Coppersmith

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"Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words." (2 Timothy 4:14-15, NKJV).

There are some people who are so set in their ways against Christ and His Kingdom, that they will do everything within their power to make life a living hell on earth for anyone who loves and serves the Lord. Alexander the Coppersmith was one such man.

It is very likely that Paul's preaching became the single greatest threat to Alexander's business ventures. Being a metal worker would mean, among other things, that he had a thriving business in the idol-making industry.

Naturally, as people heard the Gospel and turned from idols to serve the Living God -- Alex took a hit where it mattered most to him.

His love for money hardened his heart against a love for the Truth. He became a one-man wrecking crew, campaigning against Paul with seditious slander and wicked sabotage. We can only guess how many times Paul was set-back in some moment of opportunity because somebody believed Alexander's claims against Paul, rather than giving Paul a fair hearing.

This happens to servants of the Lord to this very day.

And for those who suffer the sting of false reports spread against their good names by people of wealth and power -- how reassuring it is to see the Bible set the record straight. "Alexander the Coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works."

This sorry man's name has passed down through several generations of Church history not only as a byword, but also as the moniker for all those who follow in his baseless ways.

"A good name is to be desired above great riches," the Bible tells us. But Alexander, by loving riches more than life itself, brought shame upon his name -- and upon his descendants to this day.
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