How does Galatians 1:7 relate to 2 Corinthians 11:4 about false teachings? Galatians 1:7 — Distorting the One True Gospel “which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ.” • Paul pinpoints two dangers: – “troubling you” — unsettling hearts, sowing confusion. – “distort the gospel” — twisting truth until it becomes something else entirely. • Notice the severity: any alteration means it is “not even a gospel.” One drop of error poisons the whole well. 2 Corinthians 11:4 — The Same Threat, Different Address “For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily.” • Three counterfeits Paul highlights: – “another Jesus” – “different spirit” – “different gospel” • The Corinthians tolerated what the Galatians were beginning to embrace. Both churches faced the same root issue: deceit packaged as doctrine. Connecting the Two Passages 1. Same apostle, same burden – Paul’s tone in both letters is urgent, almost incredulous. He cannot fathom abandoning the gospel so quickly (Galatians 1:6) or tolerating error so readily (2 Corinthians 11:4). 2. Same enemy tactics – Trouble-makers in Galatia “distort.” False apostles in Corinth “proclaim” an alternate Christ. Whether by subtraction or addition, Satan’s goal is to move believers off the foundation (2 Corinthians 11:3). 3. Same non-negotiable – There is one gospel (Ephesians 4:4-6). Any variation—no matter how polished—must be rejected (Galatians 1:8-9). Other Scriptures That Echo the Warning • 1 Timothy 4:1 — “some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits” • 2 Peter 2:1 — “there will be false teachers among you” • Matthew 7:15 — “Beware of false prophets…inwardly they are ravenous wolves” Each passage reinforces Paul’s insistence: truth is singular; error is manifold. Practical Takeaways for Today • Test every message (1 John 4:1). Does it match the apostolic gospel? • Guard your mind (Romans 12:2). A renewed mind discerns distortion quickly. • Hold teachers accountable (Acts 17:11). Noble believers verify every claim against Scripture. • Refuse compromise (Jude 3). Contend earnestly for “the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” Closing Reflection Galatians 1:7 and 2 Corinthians 11:4 stand as twin watchtowers. One warns against accepting a twisted gospel; the other against tolerating one. Together they call believers to unwavering loyalty to the authentic, saving message of Jesus Christ. |
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