alexander Summary and Overview

man-defender. (1.) A relative of Annas the high priest, present when Peter and John were examined before the Sanhedrim (Acts 4:6). (2.) A man whose father, Simon the Cyrenian, bore the cross of Christ (Mark 15:21). (3.) A Jew of Ephesus who took a prominent part in the uproar raised there by the preaching of Paul (Acts 19:33). The Jews put him forward to plead their cause before the mob. It was probably intended that he should show that he and the other Jews had no sympathy with Paul any more than the Ephesians had. It is possible that this man was the same as the following. (4.) A coppersmith who, with Hymenaeus and others, promulgated certain heresies regarding the resurrection (1 Tim. 1:19; 2 Tim. 4:14), and made shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience. Paul excommunicated him (1 Tim. 1:20; compare 1 Cor. 5:5).

1. Son of Simon the Cyrenian, who was compelled to bear the cross for our Lord. #Mr 15:21| 2. One of the kindred of Annas the high priest. #Ac 4:6| 3. A Jew at Ephesus whom his countrymen put forward during the tumult raised by Demetrius the silversmith, #Ac 19:33| to plead their cause with the mob. 4. An Ephesian Christian reprobated by St. Paul in #1Ti 1:20| as having, together with one Hymenaeus, put from him faith and a good conscience, and so made shipwreck concerning the faith. This may be the same with 5. Alexander the coppersmith, mentioned by the same apostle, #2Ti 4:14| as having done him many mischiefs.

ALEXAN'DER (man-defender). 1. The son of Simon the Cyrenian. Mark 15:21. 1. A distinguished Jew who, with others, took part against Peter and John. Acts 4:6. 2. A Jew of Ephesus who took a conspicuous part in the controversy between Paul and the populace of that city, and attempted, without success, to quell the commotion. Acts 19:33. 3. A coppersmith and apostate from Christianity, whom Paul mentions in terms of severe reproach. 1 Tim 1:19, Gen 23:20 and 1 Tim 1:2 1 Tim 4:14.