If we read only to the end of Galatians 1:7, we can sympathize with both Paul and the Galatians. From a human perspective, we can appreciate why the churches were taken in by the Judaizers. We can also understand why Paul was surprised—certainly if he spent a lot of time with them and discussed things in detail with the elders before he left. We can sympathize with both parties. One area where we have trouble, however, is Paul’s call for the distorters to be cursed. The Greek word he uses is more directly translated as anathema. Let him be anathema. Let him be devoted to destruction, he says. To Paul’s mind, these people are in the same category as the Canaanite cities. They are destined for judgment. They are opposed to the purposes of God, in league with Satan.

The usage of the word accursed appears harsh and crazy to our ears, especially if we have been raised in the modern world. Many of us have become used to the idea that religion is a matter of preference where there can be no right or wrong. Almost like supporting sports teams, because we all choose to support a certain team, but, in the end, our choice does not really matter. As long as we are good people, we will be all right. From that perspective, it is ridiculous to say that a certain teaching or opinion is of the devil and worthy of judgment. Especially when it is an in house discussion so to speak—a debate among those who acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ.

But if the Bible is God’s Word as we confess it to be, if it is the revelation of God who made this world, a revelation that centres on the person and work of Jesus Christ, a revelation about forgiveness of sins and freedom from the curse of the law, then it is not a trivial matter. It is not a matter where there can be disagreement. When eternity is at stake it is a black or white situation, there is no grey areas. In that case, Paul’s response is entirely appropriate. The glory of God, and the salvation of his people was at stake—the Galatians were on the road to apostasy. It was a road where Jesus is only half a Saviour, a road where their confidence will move from what Jesus did for them to what they have done for Jesus. They must be warned and the mouths of those false teachers must be stopped.

With his call for judgment, Paul demonstrates his commitment to Christ. Jesus told him the message that he must proclaim. He gave him and the other apostles the authority to interpret and explain the meaning of Jesus’ person and work. Paul is bound to share that message no matter who it might upset. Whether it is visitors from the mother church, Jews or Gentiles, he is not out to seek the approval of men. He will not agree to disagree. He will not let custom or tradition stand in the way of God’s truth.