2 Timothy 4:14 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Alexander the copper-smith, &c.— Dr. Lightfoot observes, that delivering a person over to Satan, was a phrase well known among the Jews; and that it meant more than excommunication, even the delivering men over by miracle to diseases or death. The apostle, some years before this, had delivered over Alexander unto Satan; 1 Timothy 1:20. But the punishment so inflicted had not reclaimed him; and if Alexander was incorrigible, the apostle might justly denounce some greater curse upon him, or rather foretel his future and final punishment. Theophylact says, "That the word αποδωη, is put for the word αποδωσει; for it is rather a prophesy, than an imprecation." But whether this be considered as a prediction or a petition, there is not in it the least degree of revenge: for the apostle leaves it to the great Searcher of Hearts, to determine what Alexander's works had been, and what the principle was from which they had proceeded; and then he foretells, or petitions, that God would reward him, according as God himself knew his works had been: which was really no other than foretelling, that the God and Judge of the earth will do right, or praying him to do so. See on the next verse.