Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

We do not know why Paul was unable to visit Galatia again at this time, but if he could, he says he would change his “tone.” This does not mean that he would change his teaching or have fewer expectations of them, but his approach would be different. He could ask questions. He could find out why they were in the process of turning from freedom to bondage, and so he would no longer be perplexed. Perhaps he could even speak to them differently as he continued to recall them to the Gospel.