Galatians 5:7
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You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Translate, "Ye were running well" in the Gospel race (Co1 9:24-26; Phi 3:13-14). who, &c.--none whom you ought to have listened to [BENGEL]: alluding to the Judaizers (compare Gal 3:1). hinder--The Greek means, literally, "hinder by breaking up a road." not obey the truth--not submit yourselves to the true Gospel way of justification.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle comes to make application of his foregoing discourse. He begins it with a general caution, or exhortation (Gal 5:1), which he afterwards enforces by several considerations (Gal 5:2-12). He then presses them to serious practical godliness, which would be the best antidote against the snares of their false teachers; particularly, I. That they should not strive with one another (Gal 5:13-15). II. That they would strive against sin, where he shows, 1. That there is in every one a struggle between flesh and spirit (Gal 5:17). 2. That it is our duty and interest, in this struggle, to side with the better part (Gal 5:16, Gal 5:18). 3. He specifies the works of the flesh, which must be watched against and mortified, and the fruits of the Spirit, which must be brought forth and cherished, and shows of what importance it is that they be so (Gal 5:19-24). And then concludes the chapter with a caution against pride and envy.
Open source ↗5:7 The life of faith is like running a race (cp. 1 Cor 9:24-27; Phil 3:13-14; 2 Tim 4:7-8). The law became a hindrance to the Galatians in this race rather than a help (cp. Luke 11:52).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.
Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him
We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.
So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.