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Here our apostle, 1. Complains of the injuries and oppositions which he had met with from Aexander the Coppersmith, who was before a great professor, but now become a grievous persecutor: He made shipwreck of the faith, 1Ti_1:19 which he did before profess; nay, 'tis thought this man, Act_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 a 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 a 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 a 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.