The word "We" is such a word

Galatians 1:8

“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.”  I have discovered that often in reading the Scripture a word or even a phrase is frequently over looked for years.  Then I see it and it is a wow!  How did I miss that?  The word “we” is such a word, Paul is saying I want you to know this, that it is only by grace through faith, and it is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  So the “we” comes into play, Paul is saying; if I get full of self and tell you some other gospel, not that there is another, you are to reject both me and that false gospel.

In Paul’s final instructions and greetings to the church at Rome, he gave this wise council; “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.  For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.”  (Romans 16:17,18)  Paul is telling the church at Rome to avoid them that means Christians are to shun or steer clear of such a person, but his warning to the Galatians was much stronger.  Paul says to “let him be accursed” that is not a word we would use, but it’s meaning was very clear, to put such a person under a curse from God.  So Paul is saying to them that even if he or some other teacher, should come to us with a new gospel, we are to ask God to curse him.

When Paul is writing his second letter to the Corinthians, he warns them about false apostles and he calls them deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  In 2 Corinthians 11:14,15, Paul gives us this insight; “And no wonder, for Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.  Their end will correspond to their deeds.” 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice