A simple but direct question, from Paul to his “friends in Christ” who live in Galatia: ” Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” Galatians 5:7

The verb “did run” is not a simple aorist, which would have been similar to our English past tense! (It does not hint at a quick moment in the past, over in a flash!) It is rather an “imperfect” verb, indicating action that started in the past, continued for some time in the past, but may now be over, be ended!

Paull is telling these (Christian) folks that they lived well for Jesus, at least for some time! He, the Apostle, is now just wondering what happened to them? Clearly implying they are no longer running so well!

The verb we’re discussing is “trecho,” as if racing in a marathon! And 11 of the 20 times it appears in the New Testament, it is Paul doing the writing! (Eight more times in the Gospels, with most of them centered around Jesus’ Resurrection!)

The adverb “kalos” is translated “well.” It means “beautifully, excellently, superbly!” Paul (once) admired these Galatians, their Christian walk!

But the verse contains a “sad” verb too. “Who DID HINDER you?”

The Greek is “anakopto,” who “tripped” you? Or as if in a race with a “lane” for each runner, “Who CUT IN on you?”

Paul uses this verb (a cognate really) when telling the Thessalonians about Satan “hindering” him in a planned visit to their fair city, to their church. Now this verb in our verse is written in the subjunctive mood, indicating a possible (and desirable to the false teachers) situation developing. These Galatians reverting to a “false gospel.”

Then the sentence’s “key” verb, the most dangerous situation of all for a Believer. “That ye should not OBEY the truth.” 

Here we have “peitho,” actually half the time (in the New Testament) translated “persuaded,” their becoming convinced that Paul’s Gospel of Grace is not correct!

If one does not believe the Gospel … he will not (consequently) obey the Gospel! 

Another of the dozens of Bible “linkages” between belief and behavior! Between “doctrine” and “duty!” 

Paul is exasperated.

Disturbed.

This is an excellent illustration (the spiritual “shape” into which these Galatian Christians have drifted) of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 11:28. “Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the CARE of all the churches.” Wow! ( This noun is “merimna,” meaning “distractions, worries!”)

Thank God, good Pastors do care!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Friends, how are you “running” in your Christian life, race? Is anything/anyone “hindering” you? Are you this very day still obeying the Gospel?

Wow, what questions.