Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.
Parallel translations
- WEB of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.
- KJV Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
- BSB You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.
- NKJV You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
- NASB Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul warns Timothy to be on guard against Alexander, who strongly opposed the apostolic message. Discernment and caution toward persistent opponents of the truth are part of faithful ministry.
Overview
Continuing from the previous verse, Paul cautions Timothy because Alexander's hostility was directed not merely at Paul personally but against 'our words'—the gospel message itself. Loving one's enemies and committing vengeance to God does not preclude prudent watchfulness against those who actively undermine the truth. The verse balances the call to forgiveness with the responsibility to protect the church and its teaching. Guarding the deposit of the gospel (1:14) sometimes means recognizing and avoiding determined opponents.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- 2 Tim 3:8Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also oppose the truth; men corrupted in mind, who concerning the faith, are rejected.
- Phil 3:2Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.
- Matt 10:16–17“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ Jesus 'abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel' — the risen Lord whose word and kingdom endure to the end.
How 2 Timothy 4:15 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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