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.
But - however weighty they seem 'who trouble you.' х kai (G2532) ean (G1437)] 'Even though we'-namely, I and the brethren with me-weighty and many as we are (Galatians 1:1-2). The Greek implies a case supposed which never has occurred.
Angel - in which light ye at first received me (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1; Galatians 4:14); whose authority is the highest possible next to that of God. A professed revelation even though seemingly accredited by miracles, is not to be received if it contradict the already existing revelation; for God cannot contradict Himself (Deuteronomy 13:1-3; 1 Kings 13:18; Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). The Judaizers sheltered themselves under the names of the great apostles, James, John, and Peter: 'Do not bring these names up to me; for even if an angel,' etc. Not that these apostles really supported the Judaizers; but he wishes to show, when the truth is in question, respect of persons is inadmissible.
Preach - i:e., 'should preach.'
Any other gospel unto you than. The Greek х par' (G3844) ho (G3588) eueengelisametha (G2097)] expresses not only 'any other gospel different from what we have preached,' but also 'any gospel BESIDE that which we preached.' This opposes the traditions of Rome, which are at once besides and against the written Word, our only attested rule. The context and argument do not (as Ellicott thinks) favour the translation 'against.' Paul just denied not only the existence of a different х heteron (G2087)] gospel, but that of another х allo (G243)] gospel. This he enforced by saving, If he or an angel preached anything beside what he had preached, let him be accursed (Revelation 22:18).