The name Alexander (Greek: Alexandros, meaning “man-defender” or “defender of men”) was very common in the ancient Greek world and is attached to at least four distinct individuals in the New Testament, as recorded in the King James Version of the Bible.
The Four Alexanders in Scripture
The biblical record mentions Alexander in contexts ranging from the Crucifixion of Christ to the final letters of the Apostle Paul.
1. Alexander, Son of Simon of Cyrene
This Alexander is mentioned in the account of Jesus’ crucifixion. The Gospel of Mark identifies him and his brother, Rufus, by name when recounting how the Roman soldiers compelled their father, Simon, to carry Christ’s cross.
- The King James Version (KJV) Scripture:“And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.” — Mark 15:21 (KJV)
- Significance: The explicit naming of Alexander and Rufus suggests they were well-known to the early Christian community, particularly to the original readers of Mark’s Gospel (often believed to be the Christians in Rome), implying that their family may have become prominent believers.
2. Alexander, of the High Priest’s Kin
This Alexander was an influential figure in the Jewish religious leadership and was present at the examination of the Apostles Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court) in Jerusalem.
- The King James Version (KJV) Scripture:“And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.” — Acts 4:6 (KJV)
- Significance: He represents the powerful religious opposition faced by the early Church in its foundational days.
3. Alexander, the Jew of Ephesus
During a great riot at Ephesus, instigated by Demetrius the silversmith to protect the idol trade of the goddess Artemis, a man named Alexander was put forward by the Jews to address the angry crowd.
- The King James Version (KJV) Scripture:“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. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” — Acts 19:33–34 (KJV)
- Significance: The Jewish community likely pushed him forward to distance themselves from Paul and the Christians. The crowd’s refusal to listen to him illustrates the prevailing religious zealotry of the day.
4. Alexander, the Coppersmith/Blasphemer
This Alexander is mentioned by the Apostle Paul in his letters to Timothy, where he is characterized as a serious opponent to the Christian faith. It is possible, though not certain, that he is the same Alexander mentioned in the Ephesian riot (Acts 19:33).
- The King James Version (KJV) Scriptures:
- Paul first mentions him in a list of those who have made “shipwreck of faith” through the rejection of a good conscience:”Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” — 1 Timothy 1:20 (KJV)
- Later, in a final warning, Paul identifies him by his trade and records the harm he caused:”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.” — 2 Timothy 4:14–15 (KJV)
- Significance: This Alexander serves as a powerful cautionary example of apostasy and active opposition to the Gospel, reminding believers of the necessity of remaining true to the faith and the eventual justice of God.
Prophetic Hotspot: The Judgment of Works
The Apostle Paul’s statement concerning Alexander the coppersmith is a concise yet profound expression of God’s judicial authority: “the Lord reward him according to his works” (2 Tim. 4:14).
This echoes a core biblical truth: the certainty of divine judgment based on actions. In the context of the Lord’s Return, this verse highlights that opposition to the truth is not ultimately successful, as every action will be brought before the throne of Christ. This principle of recompense assures believers that all hidden acts of malice and persecution will be justly dealt with by God Himself, urging them to leave vengeance to the Lord.
The Return Question: Guarding the Truth
Question for Discussion: The Alexander of the Ephesian church was “delivered unto Satan” (1 Tim. 1:20) and later “greatly withstood our words” (2 Tim. 4:15), indicating a progression from false teaching within the church to open hostility against the messenger of Christ. In light of the Lord’s imminent Return, what are the subtle ways that false teachings begin to “shipwreck” the faith of believers, and how can the Church most effectively “be thou ware” (2 Tim. 4:15) of those who, like Alexander, work to undermine the clear Word of God?