Read & explore together
No Other Gospel
These verses give a sharp warning about changing the good news. The writer treats this as a serious departure, because the message first received is connected with the call in the grace of Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This letter passage speaks to people who had already received the good news. In these verses, the writer expresses astonishment that they are turning away so quickly, says the alternative message is not truly another good news, and warns strongly against anyone who changes what they first heard.
Galatians 1:6–9Main takeaway
This passage teaches that the good news of Christ is not to be replaced, reshaped or accepted from any messenger in a different form.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A quick turning awayThe writer begins with surprise: “I marvel”. The issue is serious because they are “so quickly deserting” the one who called them.
Explanation
The writer begins with surprise: “I marvel”. The issue is serious because they are “so quickly deserting” the one who called them. That call is described as being “in the grace of Christ”, so leaving this message is presented as more than a small adjustment in ideas.
02A different message is not another good newsThe writer says they are turning to a different “good news”, then immediately explains that “there isn’t another ‘good news.’” So the new message is not a second true option.
Explanation
The writer says they are turning to a different “good news”, then immediately explains that “there isn’t another ‘good news.’” So the new message is not a second true option. Instead, some people are troubling them and perverting the Good News of Christ.
03No messenger may change itThe warning becomes stronger with the examples “we, or an angel from heaven”. Verse 8 shows that even a highly impressive messenger is still to be rejected if the message preached is different from the good news already preached to them.
Explanation
The warning becomes stronger with the examples “we, or an angel from heaven”. Verse 8 shows that even a highly impressive messenger is still to be rejected if the message preached is different from the good news already preached to them.
04The warning is repeatedVerse 9 repeats the warning, which makes its urgency clear. The focus is on what they “received”, not on any later altered version.
Explanation
Verse 9 repeats the warning, which makes its urgency clear. The focus is on what they “received”, not on any later altered version. Anyone preaching a different good news is placed under a curse, showing how seriously this passage treats a changed message.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Why does the writer describe their change as deserting someone, not just changing ideas?
Look at who called them and how that call is described in Galatians 1:6.
02What does the writer mean when he says there is not another good news?
Notice how Galatians 1:7 explains that the so-called alternative troubles people and perverts the Good News of Christ.
03Why does the writer mention ‘we, or an angel from heaven’?
Galatians 1:8 and Galatians 1:9 show that even an impressive messenger must be rejected if the message differs from what was first preached and received.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Galatians 1:6–9
6I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”,
7but there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
8But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
9As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.