Alexander

 

    Alexander is a Greek name (Aléxandros) that means "defending men" or "warrior".   In Hebrew the name is Magen which means "defender".  The most famous Alexander is Alexander the Great.  He was a Macedonian king in the fourth century.  He became famous for his military conquest.  

    In the Bible the name Alexander does not reference fame, but it is still significant.  The first Alexander is mentioned when Jesus was carrying his crucifix to the place of skulls called Golgotha.   He was too weak from the abuse to do it on his own.  The guards grabbed Simon the Cyrenian to make him help Jesus carry the crucifix.  Simon was the father to Alexander and Rufus.  They were from northern Africa.  It is believed that they were witnesses at the scene.  It would have left a lasting impression on them.  

    The religious leaders met in Jerusalem.  Among the leaders present was Annas (the high priest), Caiaphas, John, and Alexander.  Alexander is believed to be a relative of Annas.  He is the second Alexander mentioned in the Bible.  The group brought in two disciples of Jesus to interrogate about their power.  One of the disciples was Peter.  The power in question was gifted to them by the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name.

    Christians have to fight for their relationship with Jesus.  The difference is that we have to fight well.  That means using our mind, wit, guidance of the Holy Spirit, and scripture.  It is not to be done in violence.  We know this because Jesus was never violent toward people.  We are to fight like he fought to have a clear conscience.  Fight faithfully or you will insult the faith like Hymenaeus and Alexander did.  This is the third Alexander mentioned.  You fight dirty and it reveals that you do not belong to Jesus and you will be given over to Satan for the crime of blaspheme against God.  God does this while you are alive, so you have time to learn your lesson and change.

    The final Alexander mentioned was a coppersmith.  He did much evil, but it doesn't specify in what way.  The bible declared that he was handed over to God's judgment.  He may be the same Alexander in 1 Timothy.  We do know that he fought against the truth of Jesus by arguing against everything Paul and his fellow missionaries said.

Mark 15:21-23, Acts 4:5-7, 1 Timothy 1:18-20, 2 Timothy 4:14-15