Definition: Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Timothy 4:14. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage about a craftsman and God’s judgment. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone who works with metal (like Alexander the coppersmith) was treated unfairly by God, and God is now holding him accountable for his actions. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "2 Timothy 4:14" : This refers to a letter written by Paul to Timothy, who was serving as an apostle in Ephesus. It’s a message about the future. "Alexander the coppersmith..." : This is the person being described – Alexander the coppersmith. He was a skilled craftsman who made metal objects. "...did me much evil:" This means he caused him great harm and trouble. It wasn't just a minor inconvenience; it was something that significantly impacted his life. "The Lord reward him according to his works:" This is the key part. "Works" refers to his work – what he did with metal. The Lord is saying that God isn’t just punishing him for what he did , but also for how he used his skills and talent. It implies that his actions, even those that seemed harmless or even beneficial at the time, have consequences. So, what does it mean? Paul is essentially saying: God isn't just punishing Alexander for the bad things he did; He’s holding him accountable for how he used his abilities and talents. It suggests that perhaps he was exploiting people or being dishonest in his work. Important Note: This verse doesn't mean that Alexander was a truly wicked person. It’s more about the idea that God sees our actions and rewards them, even if they weren’t always righteous. It’s a reminder to be mindful of how we use our gifts and talents – that our choices have consequences. In short: This verse is a warning about the potential for negative consequences arising from our actions, even if those actions aren't inherently evil. It’s a call for us to consider what we do with our time and abilities, and to be responsible for our choices. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like: A deeper look at the context of the verse within the New Testament? How this relates to themes like responsibility or forgiveness?