Why did Paul say "I stand in doubt of you" to the Galatians?
Paul said it because the Galatian believers were turning to false teachers and embracing legalism, wanting to be under the Law and add works to the Gospel. Their drift endangered the gospel he had birthed in them, so he expressed doubt about their condition and desired to restore them.
Les teaches that Paul saw the Galatians as his spiritual children, travailing in birth again until Christ be formed in them. Paul had brought these pagans to salvation and was thrilled, but now they were in trouble because they were listening to false teachers and falling for that teaching. Paul said he desired to be present with them and change his voice, saying, “For I stand in doubt of you,” because they were falling for this stuff. He then challenged those who desired to be under the Law and to do something in addition to the Gospel, asking if they did not hear the Law. When Paul says “for it is written,” Les notes, he takes them back to the Old Testament.
I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
Why does Paul say he stands in doubt of the Galatians in Galatians 4:20?
Paul stood in doubt because the Galatians were listening to false teachers and falling for their message. They desired to be under the Law and to add something to the Gospel, so Paul longed to be present with them and change his voice, wanting Christ formed in them and fearful of their drift.
Why did Paul want to be present with the Galatians and change his voice?
Paul wanted to be present with the Galatians and change his voice so they would truly hear what he was saying. He stood in doubt of them because they were listening to false teachers and falling for that error, despite his deep concern that Christ be formed in them.
More Questions
Why was Paul so concerned about the Galatians in Galatians 4?
The Galatians were now in trouble because they were listening to false teachers and falling for their teaching.