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Verse Takeaways
1
A Pastor's Perplexity
Commentators highlight that Paul's words reveal the heart of a deeply concerned spiritual father. He is "perplexed" and "at a loss," not out of anger, but out of profound anxiety for the Galatians' spiritual well-being. His desire to be present shows his personal investment and love, much like a parent worried for their child.
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Book Overview
Galatians
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Galatians 4:20
18th Century
Theologian
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 alienate…
AT Robertson
On Galatians 4:20
I could with (ηθελον). Imperfect active, I was wishing like Agrippa's use of εβουλομην in Ac 25:22, "I was just wishing. I was lon…
Charles Ellicott
On Galatians 4:20
19th Century
Bishop
I desire.—The Greek is not quite so definite: “I could indeed wish.”
Change my voice.—Rather, change my…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Galatians 4:18–21
19th Century
Preacher
But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, of whom I travail …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Galatians 4:20
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 tha…
John Calvin
On Galatians 4:20
16th Century
Theologian
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 …
John Gill
On Galatians 4:20
17th Century
Pastor
I desire to be present with you now
His meaning is, either that he wished he was personally present among them; tha…
Matthew Henry
On Galatians 4:19–20
17th Century
Minister
The Galatians were ready to consider the apostle their enemy, but he assures them he was their friend; he had the feelings of a parent toward them.…