Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Galatians 1:8

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema." — Galatians 1:8 (ASV)

The logical objection to the message Paul had been preaching is that it was not actually the Gospel, but only the gospel of Paul. If that is so, then the Galatians must evaluate the source of the teaching they had received, taking into account that the legalizers were the official representatives of the Jerusalem apostles, while Paul was not. Paul wards off this accusation, arguing that ultimately the human source does not matter, nor would it matter even if the source were an “angelic” one. Satan can disguise himself as “an angel of light,” as can his ministers (2 Corinthians 11:14–15). So the Galatians must learn to evaluate their teachers, and they must learn that any attempt to alter the true Gospel is culpable and that any who go about teaching another gospel will be condemned.

Paul vehemently denounces those who teach another gospel, using the strong word anathema (GK 356), a word semantically related to the Hebrew word herem (GK 3051) and used of that which is devoted to God, usually for destruction. In spiritual terms it means “damnation.” Paul is not venting his anger here, for he is impartial in his judgment and mentions no names. He even includes himself in the ban, should he do otherwise in his preaching than he has done thus far. Moreover, he is universal in his judgment; his words include “anybody” who should so teach.

How can it be otherwise? If the Gospel Paul preaches is true, then both the glory of Jesus Christ and the salvation of the human race are at stake. If people can be saved by works, Christ has died in vain (Galatians 2:21); the cross is emptied of meaning. If people are taught a false gospel, they are being led from the one thing that can turn them away from destruction (cf. Matthew 18:6).