Albert Barnes Commentary Galatians 4:20

"but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about you." — Galatians 4:20 (ASV)

I desire to be present with you now. They had lost much by his absence. They had changed their views and, in some measure, become alienated from him. And he wishes that he might be with them again, as he was before. He would hope to accomplish much more by his personal presence than he could by letter.

And to change my voice. That is, from complaint and censure, to tones of entire confidence.

For I stand in doubt of you. The margin reads, "I am perplexed for you." On the meaning of the word used here, see Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 4:8.

The sense is plain. Paul had much reason to doubt the sincerity and the solidity of their Christian principles, and he was deeply anxious on that account.