John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. Ye did run well , etc..] In the Christian race; when they first set out in a profession of religion, they embraced and held fast, and were zealously attached to the truths of the Gospel; they were in the lively exercise of grace on its proper object, and very diligent in the discharge of duty; they made great proficiency in the knowledge of divine things, and ran with cheerfulness and without weariness in the ways of Christ, and in the paths of truth and holiness. The metaphor is taken from runners in a race; (see 1 Corinthians 9:24) so far this is said to their commendation, but this should have been persisted in: who did hinder you ; not the apostle, or any of his brethren; no, they encouraged them to go on, and gave them all the assistance they could, to help them forward; but it was the false apostles that hindered them, who did all they could to remove them to another Gospel, and turn them aside out of the right way: that ye should not obey the truth ? of the Gospel, particularly the truth of justification by the righteousness of Christ; which they did not so cheerfully embrace, and show such a respect unto, as they had formerly done; (see Galatians 3:1), and which he says not by way of inquiry, but of complaint and concern; and with some indignation against the persons who had been the means of hindering their Christian progress, and with a view to reclaim the Galatians if possible.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-12 - The life of a Christian is a race, wherein he must run, and hold on, i he would obtain the prize. It is not enough that we profes Christianity, but we must run well, by living up to that profession Many who set out fairly in religion, are hindered in their progress, or turn out of the way. It concerns those who begin to turn out of the way, or to tire in it, seriously to inquire what hinders them. The opinion or persuasion, ver. #(8), was, no doubt, that of mixing the works of the law with faith in Christ in justification. The apostl leaves them to judge whence it must arise, but sufficiently shows tha it could be owing to none but Satan. It is dangerous for Christia churches to encourage those who follow, but especially who spread destructive errors. And in reproving sin and error, we should alway distinguish between the leaders and the led. The Jews were offended because Christ was preached as the only salvation for sinners. If Pau and others would have admitted that the observance of the law of Mose was to be joined with faith in Christ, as necessary to salvation, the believers might have avoided many of the sufferings they underwent. The first beginnings of such leaven should be opposed. And assuredly thos who persist in disturbing the church of Christ must bear their judgment.
Greek Textus Receptus
ετρεχετε 5143 5707 V-IAI-2P καλως 2573 ADV τις 5101 I-NSM υμας 5209 P-2AP ανεκοψεν 1465 348 5656 V-AAI-3S τη 3588 T-DSF αληθεια 225 N-DSF μη 3361 PRT-N πειθεσθαι 3982 5745 V-PPN
Vincent's NT Word Studies
7. Ye did run (etrecete). Better, as giving the force of the imperfect, ye were running. You were on the right road, and were making good progress when this interruption occurred. Comp. chapter ii. 2; 1 Corinthians ix. 24-27; Philip. iii. 14; 2 Tim. iv. 7.Well (kalwv). Bravely, becomingly, honorably to yourselves and to the church. Often in Paul. See Rom. xi. 20; 1 Cor. iii. 37, 38; 2 Corinthians xi. 4; Gal. iv. 17; Philip. iv. 14.
Did hinder (enekoyen). See on 1 Pet. iii. 7. Comp. 1 Thess. ii. 18; Rom. xv. 22.
Obey the truth (alhqeia peiqesqai). The exact phrase N.T.o . Disobey (apeiqousi) the truth, Rom. ii. 8: obedience (upakoh) of the truth, 1 Peter i. 22.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
5:7 Who did hinder you? (tis humas enekoyen?). First aorist active indicative of enkoptw, to cut in on one, for all the world like our use of one cutting in on us at the telephone. For this late verb see on Ac 24:4; 1Th 2:18. Note the singular tis. There was some ringleader in the business. Some one "cut in" on the Galatians as they were running the Christian race and tried to trip them or to turn them.
