Setting – Paul addresses false doctrine
Content – Paul confronts the issue of false doctrine right away (v. 6), “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting…” He states that the doctrine they are now following is a (v. 6 - 7), “a different gospel; which is {really} not another” These other teachers (v. 7), “only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.”
Paul states (v. 8), “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” He is clearly showing that false doctrine is a serious matter. The NIV gives a good view of “accursed”, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” Obviously, it’s not a matter to be taken lightly. Paul reminds them that he has said before in a previous visit (v. 9), “As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”
Application – False doctrine is not acceptable. Paul is stating that anyone who is preaching a gospel other than the foundational gospel they are to be ‘eternally condemned’. Believers need to be vigilant to protect/guard doctrinal truth. In order for us to protect doctrinal truth we need to know and understand it as well.
Content – Paul confronts the issue of false doctrine right away (v. 6), “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting…” He states that the doctrine they are now following is a (v. 6 - 7), “a different gospel; which is {really} not another” These other teachers (v. 7), “only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.”
Paul states (v. 8), “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” He is clearly showing that false doctrine is a serious matter. The NIV gives a good view of “accursed”, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” Obviously, it’s not a matter to be taken lightly. Paul reminds them that he has said before in a previous visit (v. 9), “As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”
Application – False doctrine is not acceptable. Paul is stating that anyone who is preaching a gospel other than the foundational gospel they are to be ‘eternally condemned’. Believers need to be vigilant to protect/guard doctrinal truth. In order for us to protect doctrinal truth we need to know and understand it as well.
Comments