2 Timothy 4:15 - Exposition

Withstood for hath withstood, A.V. Of whom be thou ware ( ὃν φυλάσσου ) . This is the proper construction in classical Greek, the accusative of the person or thing, after φυλάσσομαι . But it is only found in Acts 21:25 . In Luke 12:15 the equally correct phrase, φυλάσσεσθε ἀπὸ τῆς πλεονεξιας , is used. 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 ( ἀντέστη ). For an exactly similar use, see Acts 13:8 , where Elymas "withstood" Paul and Barnabas; and 2 Timothy 3:8 , where Jannes and Jambres "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.