Of whom be thou ware also - It would seem from this that Alexander was still a public teacher, and that his discourses were plausible and artful. The best and the wisest of men need to be on their guard against the efforts of the advocates of error.

For he hath greatly withstood our words - Margin, "preachings." The Greek is, "words;" but the reference is doubtless to the public teachings of Paul. This verse makes it clear that it was no private wrong that Paul referred to, but the injury which he was doing to the cause of truth as a professed public teacher.

Of whom be thou ware also - It seems that this rabbin traveled about from place to place for the purpose of opposing the Gospel, the Jews putting him forward, as it is said, Acts 19:33.

He hath greatly withstood our words - Has been a constant opposer of the Christian doctrines.

Of whom be thou ware also,.... For he was now at Ephesus; and since he was such a malicious, ill natured, and troublesome person, as well as a blasphemer, an heretic, and had been delivered up to Satan, it was very advisable to shun his company, and have no conversation with him, and be upon the guard against him, that he might have no opportunity of doing hurt to him, or to the church at Ephesus:

for he hath greatly withstood our words: or doctrines; the truths of the Gospel preached by Paul and Timothy, which he opposed himself to, and resisted with all his might, and endeavoured to confute and overthrow; and wherein he was deficient in argument, he made up with railing and blasphemy; and this was the true reason of the apostle's imprecations on him, and why he would have Timothy beware of him, and avoid him, and not the personal injury he had done him.

Greatly withstood (λίαν ἀντέστη)

Comp. 2 Timothy 3:8, and Galatians 2:11. This may refer to the occurrences at Ephesus (Acts 19:33), or to Alexander's attitude during Paul's trial. The former is more probable. Λίαν greatly, not in Paul, except in the compound ὑπερλίαν, 2 Corinthians 11:5; 2 Corinthians 12:11. Only here in Pastorals. Mostly in Synoptic Gospels.

Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

4:15 Of whom be thou ware also. This seems to indicate that Alexander was at Ephesus still.

our words: or, our preachings

15. our words-the arguments of us Christians for our common faith. Believers have a common cause.

4:14-18 There is as much danger from false brethren, as from open enemies. It is dangerous having to do with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul. The Christians at Rome were forward to meet him, Ac 28, but when there seemed to be a danger of suffering with him, then all forsook him. God might justly be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them. The apostle was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, that is, of Nero, or some of his judges. If the Lord stands by us, he will strengthen us in difficulties and dangers, and his presence will more than supply every one's absence.