Alexander
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Alexander in the Bible?
The name Alexander appears five times in the New Testament, referring to distinct individuals including a metalworker opposed by Paul in Ephesus, a Cypriot helper of the early church, and figures associated with Jewish authorities or heretical teachings.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying the specific Alexander in context helps readers distinguish between the supportive role of Alexander the Cypriot and the adversarial roles of the Ephesian metalworker and the Judaizers, clarifying the nature of early Christian community dynamics and opposition.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Alexander reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Alexander in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Alexander clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Alexander." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/alexander/