Matthew Henry Commentary Galatians 5:7-12

"Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion [came] not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence to you-ward in the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away. I would that they that unsettle you would even go beyond circumcision." — Galatians 5:7-12 (ASV)

The life of a Christian is a race, in which he must run and persevere if he is to obtain the prize. It is not enough that we profess Christianity; we must also run well by living up to that profession. Many who start well in religion are hindered in their progress or turn aside from the way.

Those who begin to turn aside from the way, or to tire in it, should seriously inquire what hinders them. The opinion or persuasion (Galatians 5:8) was, no doubt, that of mixing the works of the law with faith in Christ for justification. The apostle leaves them to judge from where this persuasion must arise, but sufficiently shows that it could be attributable to no one but Satan.

It is dangerous for Christian churches to encourage those who follow, but especially those who spread, destructive errors. In reproving sin and error, we should always distinguish between the leaders and the led. The Jews were offended because Christ was preached as the only salvation for sinners. If Paul and others had admitted that the observance of the law of Moses was to be joined with faith in Christ as necessary for salvation, then believers might have avoided many of the sufferings they endured.

The first beginnings of such leaven should be opposed. And surely, those who persist in disturbing the church of Christ must bear their judgment.