Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 1:20

"of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme." — 1 Timothy 1:20 (ASV)

Paul names two examples of those who have shipwrecked their faith: Hymenaeus and Alexander. The former is mentioned again as a heretical teacher in 2 Timothy 2:17; the latter is probably “Alexander the metalworker,” who did Paul a great deal of harm (2 Timothy 4:14). The apostle had handed these two ringleaders “over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme” (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:5, where this phrase indicates excommunication from the church). The purpose was to jolt the offenders to repentance, induced by the fearful thought of being turned over to Satan’s control. Its purpose, therefore, is remedial, not punitive.