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. (Gal 1:8)
This verse, as well as the context (vv.6-9) gives the sound advice that one should be aware of false teachers and their false gospels. Some critics cite this passage, arguing that Joseph Smith fell under this anathema due to his gospel contradicting "Biblical Christianity." I have addressed many of these "arguments" vis-a-vis LDS theology and its relationship to biblical exegesis many times on this blog, showing that Latter-day Saint theology is consistent with biblical theology.
Some Evangelicals and others absolutise this particular verse, however, arguing that, as Paul warns against the possibility that even angels can bring a false gospel, and that Joseph Smith was visited by an angel (Moroni, as well as other heavenly angels/messengers), ipso facto, Joseph Smith fell under the anathema of Gal 1:8.
The problem with this approach is that, if one were to be consistent, the book of Revelation (which post-dates the inscripturation of Galatians) is to be rejected as well as John the Revelator, the recipient thereof. After all, the message of Christ was mediated through an angel, as we read in these passages:
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John (Rev 1:1)
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (Rev 22:16)
Additionally, the book of Revelation
contains prophecies of angels proclaiming the (true) Gospel:
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. (Rev 14:6)
Of course, careful exegesis of Gal 1:8 does not result in such a hasty conclusion as some of our critics hold to. An appearing of an angel to the Prophet Joseph Smith does not, ipso facto, result in one having to conclude his message is a false gospel.
