Paul the apostle has been given authority by God to address the churches in the region of Galatia for error in doctrinal beliefs. Though Paul initially gave them the gospel of Jesus Christ which meant good news for all who believed, Judaizers had infiltrated the churches with additional requirements regarding the keeping of the law. Paul has marveled that these young believers would be so so removed from the gospel, and he now addresses those who would pervert the doctrine of grace. He wrote in verse eight of chapter one:
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is so important that Paul includes himself in those who should be accursed should he change it, “But though we,”. As we read these words we can almost envision the pathos and urgency in his voice as he would implicate himself and those with him should he choose to promote any other gospel. The very idea that Paul would have himself accursed should make us take note of the distinction and exclusivity of the gospel he has preached.
Paul next includes angelic beings, “or an angel from heaven”, in his list of those who should be accursed should they change the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Second Corinthians chapter eleven and verses thirteen and fourteen Paul wrote:
For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Paul knew the ploys of Satan to alter the only path to a relationship with God. He knew that there are spiritual beings who could transform themselves into agents of doctrine, and unaware people could be deceived by their pernicious words. Paul states that this angel, should there be one, should be among those who are cursed. From heaven and earth no being is to be exempt should he or she pervert the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Finally, as though Paul has not been strong enough in his declaration, he wrote: “preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Public declaration of the good news of Jesus Christ is the greatest proclamation of all. Paul was an apostle, a “sent out and separated” one, for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everywhere he went he shared the good news of how Jesus Christ came to save people from their sins. His preaching was without compromise, and the message he presented in the beginning of his ministry was no different than the one he proclaimed at the time he wrote to the Galatians. Should anyone alter that message, “let him be accursed”. The word “accursed” in the original Greek language is “anathema” which means: “a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed...a person or thing doomed to destruction, a curse, a man accursed, devoted to the direst of woes.” Paul was not playing games with those who dare change the gospel. To be banished and accursed from God would be a fate that no one should or would ever desire, and we might think that by this time Paul's message is clear. However there is more, but we shall wait until next time to discover what Paul continues to say.
Next time we see Paul repeat his curse upon anyone who brings another gospel, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
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