Fathers

2 Timothy 4

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I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

2 Timothy 4:14

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; the Lord reward him according to his works." Here he again makes mention of his trial, not wishing merely to censure and accuse the man, but to prepare his disciple for the conflicts, that he might bear them firmly. Though they be mean and contemptible persons, and without honor, who cause these trials, they ought all, he says, to be borne with fortitude. For he who suffers wrong from any great personage, receives no little distinction from the superiority of him who does the wrong. …

Homily on 2 Timothy 10 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The Apostle recalls this temptation not in order to reproach that man, but to persuade his disciple to courageously endure temptations from worthless and contemptible people. Many, when subjected to insults from prominent people, bear them, finding consolation in the high position of their offenders. But to suffer from worthless and rejected people causes greater sorrow. Therefore Paul also says: "he did me much evil," meaning: he caused me to suffer greatly and in various ways. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our words. Paul also showed Timothy to endure bravely the troubles from common people. For it is painful to be wronged, especially by common people. the Lord will repay him. …

Commentary On 2 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, "Alexander," he mentions those who had been with him and those who are with him: first, on the part of the men; second, on God's part, at "but the Lord stood by me and strengthened me." In regard to the first he does two things: first, he informs him about a person who harmed him; second, about the negligence of those who failed to help him, at "at my first answer, no man stood with me." In regard to the first he does three things: first, he proclaims the guilt of those who accused him wrongfully; second, he shows …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗