But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
By Martin Luther

      Paul's zeal for the Gospel becomes so fervent that it almost leads him to curse angels. 'I would rather that I, my brethren, yes, the angels of heaven be anathematized than that my gospel be overthrown.'

      The Greek word anathema, Hebrew herem, means to accurse, execrate, to damn. Paul first (hypothetically) curses himself. Knowing persons first find fault with themselves in order that they may all the more earnestly reprove others.

      Paul maintains that there is no other gospel besides the one he had preached to the Galatians. He preached, not a gospel of his own invention, but the very same Gospel God had long ago prescribed in the Sacred Scriptures. No wonder Paul pronounces curses upon himself and upon others, 30upon the angels of heaven, if anyone should dare to preach any other gospel than Christ's own.