2 Corinthians 2:10

To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also St Paul is here exercising the power of the keys (see Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18; John 20:23). He is not speaking of any private forgiveness of a personal injury, but of the public absolution of an offender lying under the censure of the church. See 1 Corinthians 5:4-5. We may observe (1) that St Paul acts upon the report of the Corinthian Church properly authenticated by Titus, his representative there (ch. 2 Corinthians 7:6-14), and (2) that he gives his official sanction to their act.

to whom I forgave it Most modern Editors read whatfor to whom, and the verb stands in the perfect, implying that the affair is at an end. - What I have forgiven, I have forgiven on your account." St Paul does not claim the right to ratify their act for the satisfaction of his own sense of importance, but because his Apostolic office is necessary for their edification and guidance.

in the person of Christ Cranmer and the Geneva version render -in the sight" (literally, in the face) of Christ. So also Calvin. The Vulgate which is followed by Wiclif, and of course the Rhemish, renders as in the text. Tyndale renders roume. As the Greek word signifies both personand face, the point must be left undecided. If the A. V. be correct, then St Paul acts in this matter as Christ's representative. If the other is the correct rendering, then he performs a solemn public act in the sight of Christ and the powers unseen. It should however, be added that in this Epistle we have the word here used in the sense of personin ch. 2 Corinthians 1:11, and in the sense of facein ch. 2 Corinthians 3:7; 2Co 3:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18, and that the expression occurs again in ch. 2 Corinthians 4:6, where see note.