1 Corinthians 5:3

3 For though absent in body but present in spirit, I have already decided about him who has done this thing as though I were present.

1 Corinthians 5:3 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 5:3

For I verily, as absent in body
As he really was, being now at Philippi, if any dependence is to be had upon the subscription of this epistle; or rather at Ephesus; however, wherever he was, it is certain he was not at Corinth:

but present in spirit;
in his affection to them, care of them, and concern for their good, and the glory of God:

have judged already;
he had considered of the matter, thought very deliberately about it, and was now come to a point, to a determination concerning it, what to do in it:

as though I were present;
upon the spot, in person, to do what he had resolved upon:

to him that hath so done this deed;
this infamous one, and in so scandalous a manner, and which was continued in: what that was which the apostle, upon mature deliberation and judgment, determined to do with this wicked man, is expressed in ( 1 Corinthians 5:5 ) which is to be connected with this, the whole fourth verse being to be read in a parenthesis, and that was to deliver him to Satan.

1 Corinthians 5:3 In-Context

1 It is widely reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and the kind of sexual immorality that is not even condoned among the Gentiles-a man is living with his father's wife.

2 And you are inflated with pride, instead of filled with grief so that he who has committed this act might be removed from among you.

3 For though absent in body but present in spirit, I have already decided about him who has done this thing as though I were present.

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, along with my spirit and with the power of our Lord Jesus,

5 turn that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord.