I am attempting to get a head-start on reading for Greek II. The chapter's exegetical insight, which occurs at the beginning of every chapter, is talking about the imperfect-indicative verb. This is a past tense verb that shows linear action, and can sometimes portray a repeated attempt at a specific action (I was studying) as in sometimes I am continually studying Greek to no avail. Galatians 1:3, with Paul speaking, says, "For you have heard of my previous ways of life in Judaism, how I violently persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it." Both of the verbs, persecuted and tried to destroy (tried to is included as part of the Greek verb), are imperfect verbs. The first shows that Paul repeatedly, and continually persecuted the church. The second verb, tried to destroy, indicates a continued but failed attempt to destroy the church.
The Greek language makes it clear that even Paul, an evidently steadfast and determined man, could not destroy the Church of God. It reminds me of Matthew 16:18 which says, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
I am thankful to you God for the perpetuity and continuity of your church, that nothing outside of you can destroy this gathering that you have created. I am thankful for the faithfulness with which you have instituted an ultimately life changing place of fellowship, where believers can meet to learn, worship, love, sharpen, and admonish one another, because of your love. Until you come back father, I pray that your Church will revive, so as to revive and quicken the spirits of all the dead. Truly.
