But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! (Galatians 1: 8-9)

There is but one gospel, insists Paul. It is the message that Paul originally preached. Anything contrary to that message - even from Paul - is wrong.

Anyone - Paul, an angel, or others - who might preach something different is anathema. The original Greek has continued into English fully intact. We use it to mean something detested or cursed.

The original meaning is more complicated. First fruits, a lamb, anything set aside for God is anathema. In this context that which is anathema is irrevocably devoted to God.

Greek was Paul's native language. He was raised in one of the most intellectually sophisticated cities of Greek Anatolia. Paul studied with the most admired Jewish scholars of his generation.

When we read accursed we may be quick to reach an understanding. It is much more difficult to be sure what Paul meant when he wrote anathema.

Above is Adoration of the Lamb from the Ghent altarpiece by Jan van Eyck.