Harsh words!

In this part of Paul’s epistle, one would typically expect a blessing, a word of encouragement, or a prayer of thanksgiving from the apostle to the church. This is Paul’s usual practice in all his other letters to churches, even to the church in Corinth. However, the Galatian churches receive no such encouragement or praise. Instead, Paul delivers an astonishing rebuke and pronounces an apostolic curse on the false teachers who have distorted the gospel he preached.

Paul’s Astonishment

Paul is astonished, amazed, that the Galatians have so quickly embraced a different gospel (v. 6). The word “deserted” in v. 6 is a military term used to describe a traitor—someone who has turned against their own country and allied with the enemy. By embracing a gospel of faith in Christ plus circumcision and the law, the Galatians are turning their backs on God Himself. This is a serious problem. Paul wants these churches to know they are embracing something that can’t provide them with hope or deliverance; they are embracing no gospel at all (v. 7).

Main Point of the Sermon – A different gospel brings danger not deliverance.

Outline of the Sermon – 3 Dangers of a different gospel

1. A different gospel deserts (v6)
2. A different gospel distorts (v7)
3. A different gospel destroys (vv8-10)

Additional Study Questions

1. Why is Paul so amazed at the actions of the Galatians? How are we similar to the Galatians in our propensity to so quickly forget the gospel?
2. What was the gospel that Paul proclaimed? Use several references from the NT to support your reasoning.
3. Discuss the different gospels that are prevalent in our culture. How are they deceptive?
4. In what ways can we be diligent to discern a different gospel from the gospel?