Attack and Betrayal

II Timothy 4:14-16

In the 1980's Russia and the US were in the Cold War. During that decade, one of the worst cases of espionage occurred. Aldrich Ames, who worked for the CIA, sold secrets to Russian Intelligence Operatives. His treachery compromised around 100 military operations and resulted in 10 US operatives being executed. While he earned $4.6 million for his betrayal, he also was captured and received life in prison. American citizens were attacked by our enemies, and Aldrich betrayed his country. This was a double black eye for America.

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"Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them."

II Timothy 4:14-16

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The Apostle Paul knew something about attacks and betrayal as well. The first thing we read about is a man named Alexander the coppersmith. While the identity of this Alexander is unknown, there are two distinct possibilities from scripture. The first is Alexander the coppersmith in Acts 19:33. This Alexander was a Jew that was going to make an argument against Paul in Ephesus. He was never given the opportunity, but years later he may have spoken against Paul in Rome. Then there is an Alexander named in I Timothy 1:20. This Alexander was excommunicated due to blasphemy. It is possible that he held a grudge against Paul and later tried to get revenge on Paul at his trial. Then there is another possibility that these two are the same person. Either way, his actions in Rome hurt Paul and his case.

To add insult to injury, all the other Christians abandoned Paul at his trial. In verse 16, Paul says that no one stood with him at his defense. In this case, Paul seems to feel betrayed. I am grateful that I have never been on the defense in a trial. I have spoken for some people during investigations. I have been subpoenaed to the stand before the court in other matters, but I have never been accused of a crime and taken to court. If I were, I could not imagine standing alone, without anyone on my side.

No doubt we have all experienced attacks and betrayal from others. The real question is how do we handle these things when they come our way? Do we shut down and crumble under the pressure? Do we get mad and lash out at those people? Do we silently hold a grudge that festers within us like an acid that will eventually spew out on someone (probably who does not deserve it)? What is our response to these kinds of deep hurt?

Paul does not leave us hanging here. He sets the example of how we should handle our attacks and betrayal as well. Notice that the final phrase is "May it not be charged against them". In other words, Paul says "God forgive them and do not let this sin be held against them". We will remember the hurt we experience, the back stabbing, the cruelty, and the abandonment, but we must not hold a grudge. We may not always have the opportunity to reconcile with others, but we can forgive those who hurt us. We can release our hurt and anger so that is does not become a root of bitterness. Consider what the writer of Hebrews said:

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"Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled."

Hebrews 12:15

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When we forgive those who hurt us, we are never more like Jesus. Remember on the cross Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). Jesus asked forgiveness for those who were literally attacking Him, and for those who had betrayed Him. In the midst of His being killed for helping others, He asked God to forgive the ones who were actually guilty. Jesus set the example, Paul followed the example, and modeled this obedience for us. As hard as it is, we should all desire to be like Jesus, and even though we do not like to give up our anger, we should do so because our desire to be like Jesus is greater than our dislike and hurt by those who betray us.

Father, You know all too well what it is to be attacked and betrayed without cause. You watched Your Son experience the worst of humanity, all while He was giving hope and salvation to those very same people. May we be more like Jesus. When we do not want to forgive, make our desire to be like Jesus greater than our desire to hold onto resentment.