Galatians 5:7

“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 <460924> 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…”

“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.”

“Ye did run well - The Christian life is often represented as a race; see the notes at 1 Corinthians 9:24-26. Paul means here, that they began the Christian life with ardour and zeal; compare Galatians 4:15. Who did hinder you - Margin, “Drive you back.” The word used here (ἀνακόπτω anakoptō) means properly to beat or drive back. Hence, it means to hinder, check, or retard. Dr. Doddridge remarks that this is “an Olympic expression, and properly signifies “coming across the course” while a person is running in it, in such a manner as to jostle, and throw him out of the way.” Paul asks, with emphasis, who it could have been that retarded them in their Christian course, implying that it could…”

“Ye did run well - In the race of faith. Who hath hindered you in your course, that ye should not still obey the truth? Galatians 5:8”

“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).”

“run: Mat 13:21; Co1 9:24; Heb 12:1 hinder you: or, drive you back, Gal 3:1 obey: Act 6:7; Rom 2:8, Rom 6:17, Rom 10:16, Rom 15:18, Rom 16:26; Co2 10:5; Th2 1:8; Heb 5:9; Heb 11:8; Pe1 1:22 Galatians 5:8”