Galatians 1:7

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Which {G3739} is {G2076} not {G3756} another {G243}; but there be {G1526} some {G5100} that {G1508} trouble {G5015} you {G5209}, and {G2532} would {G2309} pervert {G3344} the gospel {G2098} of Christ {G5547}.

which is not good news at all! What is really happening is that certain people are pestering you and trying to pervert the genuine Good News of the Messiah.

which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ.

which is not another gospel: only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Commentary

Galatians 1:7 is a critical verse where the Apostle Paul clarifies the nature of the false teaching troubling the churches in Galatia. Having just stated that he marvels at their quick departure from the true gospel, he immediately corrects any misunderstanding that there could be another valid gospel. Instead, he identifies the source of their confusion: individuals who are actively distorting the singular message of Christ.

Context

This verse comes early in Paul's letter to the Galatians, where he expresses strong condemnation for those who were corrupting the message of salvation. The "some that trouble you" were likely Judaizers, Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to the Law of Moses, particularly circumcision, in addition to faith in Christ for salvation. This directly contradicted Paul's teaching that justification is by faith in Christ alone, apart from works of the law. The church in Galatia was being swayed by these teachers, leading Paul to write with such urgency and strong language.

The "Which is not another" refers back to the "different gospel" mentioned in Galatians 1:6. Paul asserts that there is no legitimate alternative gospel; what these teachers presented was not merely "another" but a perversion of the one true gospel.

Key Themes

  • The Uniqueness of the Gospel: Paul vehemently denies the existence of any other true gospel. There is only one way of salvation established by God through Christ.
  • The Danger of False Teaching: The verse highlights the severe threat posed by those who "trouble" believers and "pervert" the core message. False teaching is not benign; it is destructive and leads people astray from Christ.
  • Perversion of Truth: The term "pervert" emphasizes the distortion and corruption of the original, pure message. It's not a mere misunderstanding but an active twisting of the truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "pervert" is metastrephō (μεταστρέφω), which means "to turn around," "to change," or "to distort." It implies a complete reversal or alteration of something from its original state. This isn't just an addition to the gospel; it's a fundamental change that renders it ineffective and, in fact, "no gospel at all." Paul's choice of this strong word underscores the severe nature of the false teachers' actions.

Related Scriptures

  • Paul had already warned against receiving a different gospel that was not truly another, but a distortion.
  • The issue of circumcision and the Law was a major point of contention, addressed also in Acts 15:1 at the Jerusalem Council.
  • Paul's steadfast defense of the true gospel of grace is further elaborated in Galatians 2:16, emphasizing justification by faith in Christ alone.
  • Similar warnings against false apostles and deceitful workers appear in 2 Corinthians 11:4 and 2 Corinthians 11:13.

Practical Application

Galatians 1:7 remains highly relevant today. It serves as a timeless warning to believers to be discerning about what they hear and believe. We must always compare teachings against the unchanging truth of God's Word, particularly concerning the nature of salvation. Any message that adds human works, rituals, or conditions to the finished work of Christ for salvation is a perversion of the gospel. Paul's strong stance encourages believers to stand firm against such distortions and to test the spirits, holding fast to the simple, yet profound, truth that salvation is a gift received by grace through faith alone.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 15:24

    Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment:

  • Romans 16:17

    ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

  • Romans 16:18

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

  • Galatians 5:10

    I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

  • Acts 15:1

    ¶ And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

  • Acts 15:5

    But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13

    For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.