Some of the most encouraging passages from the apostle Paul appear immediately after his greetings. To the Romans, he expresses thanks for their well-known faith and longs to visit them (Rom. 1:8–15). To the Corinthians—despite their many problems—he thanks God for the grace given to them in Christ (1 Cor. 1:4–9). To the Ephesians, he blesses God for every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3–14). To the Philippians, he overflows with joyful gratitude and confidence in God’s ongoing work among them (Phil. 1:3–11). To the Colossians, he celebrates their faith, love, and hope (Col. 1:3–14). To the Thessalonians, he rejoices in their turning from idols to serve the living God (1 Thess. 1:2–10).
None of that happens in Galatians. There is no thanksgiving, no commendation, no prayerful gratitude, no celebration of faith, and no encouragement about love. After an unusual greeting, Paul moves directly to confrontation. He writes with a sense of urgency and seriousness because the gospel of freedom is at stake.
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”
Galatians 1:6-9
Evidently, Paul can patiently address confusion, confront sin, and shepherd disunity. He can labor through suffering and strengthen weak believers. But he cannot tolerate a distorted gospel. Division wounds fellowship and immorality damages witness, but altering the gospel destroys faith and cripples the church. Everything in the Christian life depends on us getting the gospel right.
In this short passage, Paul uses the word “gospel” in each verse. And, in each occurrence, it is tied to language that signals deviation. He describes it as a “different” kind of gospel (Gal. 1:6), a distorted gospel (Gal. 1:7), and a contrary gospel (Gal. 1:8-9). He is deliberately repetitive. He wants his readers to know that a deviated gospel is a false gospel. In fact, he goes so far as to repeat a statement of judgment at the end and tells us that he is repeating himself on purpose, “now I say it again” (Gal. 1:9). Paul wants to get his point across, so there is no question about his concern—we must get the gospel right!
This passage is a prophetic warning to the Galatians and to all who call upon Jesus in faith. Paul escalates in each verse. First, he expresses his astonishment that the Galatians have begun deserting the God of grace. Second, he takes aim at the gospel distorters and reveals their intention. Third, he issues a sober declaration about the consequences of proclaiming a message that departs from the true gospel. Freedom depends on getting the gospel right.
