8. But--however weighty they may seem "who trouble you." Translate
as Greek, "Even though we," namely, I and the brethren with me,
weighty and many as we are
(Ga 1:1, 2).
The Greek implies a case supposed which never has occurred.
angel--in which light ye at first received me (compare
Ga 4:14;
1Co 13:1),
and whose authority is the highest possible next to that of God and
Christ. A new revelation, even though seemingly accredited by miracles,
is not to be received if it contradict the already existing revelation.
For God cannot contradict Himself
(De 13:1-3;
1Ki 13:18;
Mt 24:24;
2Th 2:9).
The Judaizing teachers 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," &c. Not that he means, the apostles
really supported the Judaizers: but he wishes to show, when the truth
is in question, respect of persons is inadmissible [CHRYSOSTOM].
preach--that is, "should preach."
any other gospel . . . than--The Greek expresses not so much "any
other gospel different from what we have preached," as, "any gospel
BESIDE that which we preached." This distinctly opposes the traditions
of the Church of Rome, which are at once besides and against (the Greek includes both ideas) the written Word, our only "attested
rule."
JFB.
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