1. Galatians 4:20 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why would the presence of Paul allow him to change his tone?

Galatians 4:20 (ESV)

20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Paul is deeply troubled by the Galatians’ attraction to old covenant law and is not completely sure of what to say to them.1 If he was present with them, he would be able to regain their trust and allegiance and it would not be necessary to use such severe language as is found in the letter.2