2 Timothy 4:14

Here our apostle, 1. Complains of the injuries and oppositions which he had met with from Aexander the Coppersmith, who was before. great professor, but now become. grievous persecutor: He made shipwreck of the faith, 1 Timothy 1:19 which he did before profess; nay, 'tis thought this man, Acts 19:33 was near martyrdom, yet afterwards an opposer of the truth. The best things corrupted, become worst; the sweetest wine makes the sharpest vinegar. Be not offended then, if at any time you see professors turn blasphemers; nay, preachers themselves turn persecutors.

Observe, 2. An apostolical prediction, rather than. dreadful imprecation, passed upon Alexander; The Lord reward him according to his works. The Lord will reward him according to his works. The apostle by. prophetic spirit, saw what was coming upon him, and foretels his doom. Imprecations against the enemies of the church if lawful, yet must be cautiously and very rarely used: What we find in scripture looking like such, are rather to be accounted predictions, than imprecations.

Observe, lastly; The caution given to TImothy to shun him; Of whom be thou aware also, for he is an opposer of the truth. Wicked men do not so much oppose the ministers, as the ministry; not so much oppose preachers, as preaching: 'Tis the light of truth which evil- doers hate; because it has. searching, discovering, condemning power.

St. Paul doth not complain of Alexander;s unkindness towards him, but of his malicious resisting the truth, and hindering the preaching of the gospel: He hath greatly withstood our words.