A questionable incident occurred during the women’s 5000-meter race at the Paris Olympics. Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon was accused of shoving Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay during an attempt to pass. In a stunning finish, Kipyegon took second in the race, behind her teammate Beatrice Chebet. At first, Olympic officials disqualified Kipyegon because of the collision. But after further review, Kipyegon received her silver medal.

In today’s passage, Paul likens the Galatians’ spiritual journey to a race. He commends them for running well—in the beginning (v. 7). When Paul was with them and they first heard the gospel, they responded with eager obedience. Unfortunately, false teachers had “cut in” on them and tripped them up (v. 7). So, Paul challenges them to address their own ambivalence and consider who they are listening to. They were called by God to follow Him alone, and they were heeding a different voice (v. 8).

In verse 9, Paul uses another metaphor. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough” (v. 9). Jesus Himself had used this image to warn His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matt. 16:6; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1). Paul’s readers would have been well acquainted with the properties of yeast and dough, since bread was a staple in their diet. With this illustration, Paul emphasizes the destructive, pervasive, yet cunning nature of false teaching.

Finally, Paul expresses confidence regarding how this race will end. He proclaims faith that the Galatians will return to a full strength of faith, and their detractors will pay a high price, but his confidence doesn’t lie with Galatians alone. His confidence is in the Lord who has called the Galatians and will complete His work in them (see also Phil. 1:6).

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