Galatians 1:9
As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
Truth to Learn
The gospel message does not change with time. It is the same message today that it was in the first century.
Behind the Words
The word translated “we have said before” is proereō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before” and ereō, meaning “to say or declare.” It is used here in the perfect tense, implying past completed action with present, ongoing effect. It is also expressed here as first person, plural. Hence it could be paraphrased this way: “as we have declared previously and, therefore, you know.”
Let’s review again what the word “gospel” means. It is translated from the Greek word euangelion which is made up of eu meaning “good” or “well” and angelion which means “message” (this comes from the same root as the word angelos translated “angel” meaning “messenger.”) So “gospel” literally means “good message” or “good news.” In the current verse the verb form of this word is used, euangelidzetai which is translated as “preaches the gospel,” whereas it literally means “delivers the good news.”
Meaning Explained
The gospel that Paul and the other apostles have been proclaiming is a simple message of salvation by grace, through faith in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. And apparently Paul and others have previously warned the Galatians not to change or be persuaded to change their beliefs regarding this simple truth. This is evidenced by the fact that Paul says “As we have said before” not “as I have just said before.” He continues on with, “so now I say again.” This is such an important truth that Paul repeats the point about those who pervert the gospel into something other than the simple message it is. Paul’s point is that these who pervert the gospel message are anathema (worthless, discarded, and accursed.)
A very literal translation of this verse would be:
As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone delivers a good message beside what you received, let him be accursed.
These legalizers who had crept into the church, delivered a good message and it was probably delivered eloquently by people of great background and reputation. But it was not the same good message that Paul and other apostles had delivered to them. It included what Paul had taught but it had other things added to it which, according to Paul, was an evil thing for them to do.
Application
When you hear wonderful sermons from preachers in the pulpit, on the radio, or on television telling you the good news of Jesus Christ but their message also includes rules, customs, traditions, or requirements that you must also adhere to, remember what Paul says about them: “let them be accursed!”
God made the gospel message simple for a reason.
Let’s keep it that way!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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