PAUL draws up a roll of honour and of dishonour of his friends.  Some are only names to us; of some, as we read the Acts of the Apostles as well as the Epistles, we get the occasional revealing glimpse. If we are allowed to use our imagination, we can reconstruct some of the stories. ~Barclay commentary

And now to the other commentaries.  As usual, we will begin with the general and move to the specific.  The general commentaries will be exactly as the lesson for verse 14 as these two verses go together.

We will begin with Matthew Henry and its discussion of verses 14 and 15.

He mentions Alexander, and the mischief that he had done him, 2 Timothy 4:14-15. This is he who is spoken of Acts 19:33. It should seem, he had been a professor of the Christian religion, a forward professor, for he was there particularly maligned by the worshippers of Diana, and yet he did Paul much evil. Paul was in as much danger from false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26) as from open enemies. Paul foretells that God would reckon with him. It is a prophetical denunciation of the just judgment of God that would befall him: The Lord will reward him according to his works. He cautions Timothy to take heed of him: “Of whom be thou aware also, that he does not, under pretense of friendship, betray thee to mischief.” It is dangerous having anything to do with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul. Observe,

(1.) Some who were once Paul's hearers and admirers did not give him reason to remember them with much pleasure; for one forsook him, and another did him much evil, and greatly withstood his words. Yet,

(2.) At the same time he mentions some with pleasure; the badness of some did not make him forget the goodness of others; such as Timothy, Titus, Mark, and Luke.

(3.) The apostle has left a brand on the names and memory of two persons; the one is Demas, who forsook him, having loved the present world, and the other is Alexander, who greatly withstood his words.

(4.) God will reward evil-doers, particularly apostates, according to their works.

(5.) Of such as are of Alexander's spirit and temper we should beware; for they will do us no good, but all the mischief that is in their power. ~Matthew Henry Main

Quoted verses:
Acts 19:33
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

Let us go now to the Pulpit Bible for some commentary:

The inference from this caution to Timothy is that Alexander had left Rome and returned to his native Ephesus. The Jews were always on the move. He greatly withstood our words. For an exactly similar use, see Acts 13:8, where Elymas [EL-uh-muhs]  "withstood" Paul and Barnabas; and 2 Timothy 3:8, where Jannes [JAN-eez] and Jambres [JAM-breez] "withstood" Moses. In this case we may be sure that Paul, in pleading for his life, did not omit to preach the gospel to his Gentile audience. Alexander tried to refute his words, not without effect. The apostle says "our words" (not "my words"), perhaps to associate with himself those other Christians who were with him. It certainly cannot mean "yours and mine," as Timothy was not with him when the "words" were spoken. ~Pulpit Bible

Quoted verses:
Acts 13:8
But Elymas [EL-uh-muhs]  the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 

2 Timothy 3:8 [see Lesson]
Now as Jannes [JAN-eez] and Jambres [JAM-breez] withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

Now this from the John Darby:

He warns Timothy with regard to a man who had shewn his enmity, and puts him on his guard against him.

We see here also that the epistle bears the character of righteousness, grace having had its course. "The Lord," he says, " reward him according to his deeds." As for those who had not courage to stand by him, when he had to answer as a prisoner, he only prays for them. He had not been discouraged. His heart, broken by the unfaithfulness of the assembly, was strong in confessing the Lord before the world, and he can testify that, if forsaken by men, the Lord Himself stood with him and strengthened him. ~John Darby Synopsis

I am giving you this commentary which looks ahead to verses 16 and 17

2 Timothy 4:16-17
16 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.
17 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.

We had a lot of discussion on Paul's attitude when he writes, "the Lord reward him according to his works." We all know that in our human nature and worldly conditioning is anger toward those doing evil, wrong and/or hurtful things to us. So why wasn't Paul drawn to his base nature regarding Alexander the coppersmith and all those who had deserted him? It is right there in verse 17. Despite all the evil done and brethren running away, the Lord stood with him and strengthen him.

Let us go now to the specific commentaries.

This verse is in two parts:

1] Of whom be thou ware also.
2] For he hath greatly withstood our words.

1] Of whom be thou ware also.

Of whom be thou ware - This seems to indicate that Alexander was at Ephesus still. ~Geneva Bible Translation Notes.

Of whom be thou ware also - It would seem from this that Alexander was still a public teacher, and that his discourses were plausible and artful. The best and the wisest of men need to be on their guard against the efforts of the advocates of error. ~Barnes Notes

Note: See Minister's Notebook piece, "The Era of Slick Arguments."

Of whom be thou ware also - It seems that this rabbin traveled about from place to place for the purpose of opposing the Gospel, the Jews putting him forward, as it is said, Acts 19:33. ~Adam Clarke

Quoted verse:
Acts 19:33
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

Of whom be thou ware also - For he was now at Ephesus; and since he was such a malicious, ill natured, and troublesome person, as well as a blasphemer, an heretic, and had been delivered up to Satan, it was very advisable to shun his company, and have no conversation with him, and be upon the guard against him, that he might have no opportunity of doing hurt to him, or to the church at Ephesus: ~John Gill

2] For he hath greatly withstood our words.

For he hath greatly withstood our words - Margin, “preachings.” The Greek is, “words;” but the reference is doubtless to the public teachings of Paul. This verse makes it clear that it was no private wrong that Paul referred to, but the injury which he was doing to the cause of truth as a professed public teacher. ~Barnes Notes

He hath greatly withstood our words - Has been a constant opposer of the Christian doctrines. ~Adam Clarke

For he hath greatly withstood our words - or doctrines; the truths of the Gospel preached by Paul and Timothy, which he opposed himself to, and resisted with all his might, and endeavoured to confute and overthrow; and wherein he was deficient in argument, he made up with railing and blasphemy; and this was the true reason of the apostle's imprecations on him, and why he would have Timothy beware of him, and avoid him, and not the personal injury he had done him. ~John Gill

For he hath greatly withstood our words - the arguments of us Christians for our common faith. Believers have a common cause. ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown

For he hath greatly withstood our words - For an exactly similar use, see Acts 13:8, where Elymas [EL-uh-muhs] "withstood" Paul and Barnabas; and 2 Timothy 3:8, where Jannes [JAN-eez] and Jambres [JAM-breez] "withstood" Moses. In this case we may be sure that Paul, in pleading for his life, did not omit to preach the gospel to his Gentile audience. Alexander tried to refute his words, not without effect. The apostle says "our words" (not "my words"), perhaps to associate with himself those other Christians who were with him. It certainly cannot mean "yours and mine," as Timothy was not with him when the "words" were spoken. ~Pulpit commentary

Quoted verses:
Acts 13:8 ...we referenced this above
But Elymas [EL-uh-muhs] the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

2 Timothy 3:8 [see Lesson]
Now as Jannes [JAN-eez] and Jambres [JAM-breez] withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

I want to go back now to what verses 14 and 15 are really talking about and this concept of "slick arguments."  Clearly Alexander was a master of such arguments.

In Matthew 24:11 we read, "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."  Further down in the same chapter, verse 24, you read, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."  I can tell you now that many of these may not come in the form of a human you see face-to-face.  Several will come in the form of a web site, a published article or even an e-mail from a member in the church.

The deception will come in the form of a slick argument, written with such craftiness, style and seemingly solid logical scriptural foundation that one could be sucked in without even realizing what had taken place.  Never in my life in the church have I begun to see so many.  You will see them too.  The subject matter will be subtle [so slight as to be difficult to detect] changes to doctrine, slander on church leaders, past and present and upon the Church of God itself.

Just yesterday I happened on a web site, which in essence, was a massive attack on all the churches of God.  The author enumerated several of the larger organizations by name.  The site is beautiful and included a clear style, inviting layout and soft colors.  His use of scripture throughout the many pages of the site was impressive and compelling.  As I read through the material, I knew it was a deception and the scriptures misapplied, but I still felt myself gently pulled along.  I literally had to jerk myself away from viewing the screen.  Very slick.

The Word of God is replete with scriptures on this subject.  They show how the deception works, what's going to happen, and what steps we can take to keep from falling into these deceptive traps and pitfalls.

HOW IT WORKS

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. –2 Timothy 3:13 [see Lesson]

They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. –Psalm 38:12

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. –Proverbs 12:5

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. –Romans 16:18    

Note: As we near the Great Tribulation, this situation will wax worse and worse.  It will be unavoidable.  They will lay snares for you with these slick arguments in an attempt to pull you away from God's church and ultimately your salvation.  They will use good words and fair speeches and WILL DECEIVE.  These people serve their own bellies and their own agendas.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE HAPPEN TO THE WEAK

Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits. –Isaiah 30:10

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. –2 Timothy 4:3-4 [see Lesson]

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. –1 Timothy 4:1 [see Lesson]

Note: Those not immersed in the Word of God and not close to Christ in their Salvation Process will give heed to the slick argument and want more and more.  They may even become masters themselves of these slick arguments and seek to trap and deceive others.  They will depart from the faith, even though continuing to attend God's church.

MANIFESTATIONS YOU MIGHT WITNESS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

	You will see the aforementioned web sites, papers and articles.
	The leadership and ministry will suffer slander and people will enumerate their sins, mistakes and faults with the idea of destroying their position or driving their congregations from them.
	You will see or hear of a member suddenly withholding tithes and offerings because of an overheard slander against the church or the ministry.
	You might see someone attempting to introduce a new spin on a doctrine during Sabbath fellowship.
	You might hear of some speaker attempting to introduce a "new" doctrine or a new spin on a present belief from the pulpit.
	You may witness or hear of an uncredentialed member of a congregation holding a private Bible study at his or her private home with several members of the congregation.  They will have deep discussions on doctrine or church administration and offer complaint.
	There will be congregations which will experience murmuring, complaints, strife, debates, arguments, taking of sides, bitterness, intrigue, and division often times on elements having NOTHING to do with the Salvation Process.

WHAT TO DO

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. –2 Timothy 3:14-15 [see Lesson]

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus [Hi may nay us] and Philetus [Phi-le-tus]; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. –2 Timothy 2:16-19 [see Lesson]

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. –2 Peter 1:16

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. –Titus 1:14

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. –1 Timothy 4:7 [see Lesson]

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. –1 Timothy 1:4 [see Lesson]

Note:  First and foremost:  Immerse yourself into the Word of God and maintain a close relationship with God, the Father and Jesus Christ, the head of this Church. DO THIS DILIGENTLY.  Focus FIRST on the Spiritual and lastly on the physical elements of the church. Do as these scriptures say and SHUN profane and vain babblings.  Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jerk your eyes from the screen of profane and slick web sites.  Delete e-mails that seek to destroy you with crafty reasoning and logic to give up or neglect sound doctrine.  Avoid strife and anything divisive. 

Never allow someone the use of the Word of God to tear down the church, its ministry or its members.  The Word of God can only be used to lift one up, not put him down.

We are in era of slick arguments.  Alexander the coppersmith then and so many more now.  This is the lesson of verse 15.