John Calvin 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 would wish to be present with you now. This is a most serious remonstrance, the complaint of a father so perplexed by the misconduct of his sons that he looks around him for advice and does not know where to turn. He wishes to have an opportunity of personally addressing them, because in this way we obtain a better idea of what is suited to the current circumstances; because, depending on how the hearer is affected, and depending on whether he is submissive or obstinate, we are able to regulate our discourse.

But something more than this was meant by the desire to change the voice. He was prepared most cheerfully to assume a variety of forms, and even, if the case required it, to frame a new language. This is a course which pastors should most carefully follow. They must not be entirely guided by their own inclinations or natural talents, but must adapt themselves, as far as the case will allow, to the understanding of the people—with this reservation, however, that they are to proceed no further than conscience dictates, and that no departure from integrity must be made to gain the favor of the people.