Who was Alexander the Coppersmith in the Bible?

TL;DR:

Alexander the coppersmith opposed the gospel message. He reminds us that we are known by our actions and that God holds us accountable for them.

Alexander the Coppersmith is mentioned as an opponent of Paul's teachings (2 Timothy 4:14–15). Paul warns Timothy about Alexander, stating that he did Paul "great harm" and "strongly opposed our message." The Bible does not provide detailed information about his life or other actions, but it is clear that his opposition to the gospel was significant enough to warrant a personal mention by Paul in his letter. Paul's approach to Alexander's hostility reflects how Paul handled such difficulties—not with revenge, but by being cautious and leaving justice to God.

from the old testament

Alexander the coppersmith is only mentioned in the New Testament.

from the new testament

In his letter to Timothy, Paul warned Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith, also referred to as Alexander the metalworker in the NIV. He said to "beware of him" because he "strongly opposed" the gospel message and did Paul "great harm" (2 Timothy 4:14–15). Paul did not seek personal revenge. He did not ask Timothy to right the wrongs Paul endured. Instead, Paul declared about Alexander, "the Lord will repay him according to his deeds" (2 Timothy 4:14).
There are two other possible mentions of Alexander the coppersmith: Paul's first letter to Timothy mentions an Alexander who had rejected the faith and a good conscience, had "made shipwreck of [his] faith," and had blasphemed along with another named Hymenaeus (1 Timothy 1:18–20). This Alexander was handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme, indicating serious misdeeds against the Christian community.
The book of Acts records that when Paul was in Ephesus, a metalworker who fashioned idols of Artemis (named Demetrius) stirred up a riot against Paul and his message. In the midst of that riot, "some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward… to make a defense" (Acts 19:33). This defense was likely to dissociate the Jews from these new followers of The Way (Christians). The mob ultimately rejected Alexander, too, because, just like Christians, the Jews did not worship Artemis either.

implications for today

Alexander the coppersmith was an Ephesian metalworker who caused Paul harm, against whom Paul warned Timothy, and whose ultimate fate was left up to God. Assuming the Alexander in Acts 19 is the same one referenced in 1 Timothy 4, it seems he opposed the gospel message because he clung to his Jewish tradition. He could have defended Paul as another monotheistic worshiper of Yahweh, but instead it seems Alexander wanted to distance himself from Paul in front of the riotous mob of polytheistic pagans. We often choose to divide and demand uniformity on non-essentials. There are some things we must divide on, but there are others that are preferences or priorities because of selfishness and not appreciating differences. Instead, we should recognize and appreciate differences while seeking unity on essentials.

Paul's response to Alexander, warning Timothy but leaving revenge to God, shows us a good way to handle such situations. We should trust that God will handle things in His own time. We should seek fairness and resolution through lawful and peaceful means rather than trying to get even. While we leave retribution to God, that does not mean remaining silent about the harm that people cause. Even if natural consequences must come for people’s actions, we must trust that the ultimate consequences come from God. Paul set an example in naming Alexander’s misdeeds, warning others, and leaving retribution to the Lord.

Alexander's effect on Paul's ministry also makes us think about the impact we can have in our own communities. It encourages us to think about how our choices and actions can influence others. It also shows leaders the importance of protecting their groups from harmful influences, whether these are ideas or actions.

Finally, the fact that the Bible mentions Alexander shows that the Bible is realistic. It doesn't just talk about the good times and miracles—it also talks about the tough opposition that early Christians faced. For today's believers, this is comforting because it shows that facing difficulties doesn't mean you're failing. Instead, these challenges are part of the Christian life, something that God equips us to endure and thrive in.

understand

Alexander the coppersmith is only specifically mentioned in 2 Timothy, but it is possible that other references to an Alexander or a metalworker are also this Alexander.
Alexander opposed the gospel and caused Paul much harm.
Although Alexander’s actions were negative, Paul trusted that God would repay and didn’t take retribution into his own hands.

reflect

We are known by our actions. Our actions reveal our heart (1 Samuel 24:13; Luke 6:45). What are you known for and what would you like to be known for?
When God tells us not to judge, He is not saying to not use discernment regarding people. He tells us we will know a person by their fruit (Matthew 7:15–20). How are you challenged or encouraged by this?
God is in control and will judge a person for their actions. An unbeliever will receive the punishment for their actions because ultimately they rejected Jesus’ sacrifice on their behalf for the forgiveness of sins. A believer will not be judged to condemnation, but there are still natural consequences to ungodly actions.

engage

What is the connection between our actions and our heart?
Why are our actions so important to our faith?
When people do not do what is right or harm you, what would it look like to trust that God is in control and will hold everyone accountable for their actions?