1 Corinthians 5:3

For. verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though. were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,

'For. verily' -'For my part' (Nor) 'Which stands in contrast to "and you are puffed up"..In contrast to the Corinthians..who..have done nothing, not even mourned the man's sin. Paul takes decisive action.' (Fee p. 203)

'being absent in body but present in spirit' -although physically absent. 'This type of speech is still considered perfectly normal. Whenever someone whom we love is experiencing some kind of problem, we say, "I am thinking about you" or "I'll be with you."' (Willis p. 162)

'have already..judged him' -'and my judgement..is already given' (NEB) 'Without waiting till you should act or till. could come.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 808)

'The perfect (judged) conveys the idea that Paul judged the case and that this judgement stands..Paul intends to say that the case is so clear in every respect that he finds no reason to hesitate regarding the verdict..that is settled.' (Lenski pp. 209-210)

'Paul didn't need to be present to make. judgement on this matter...This lets us know that reliable evidence is equivalent. for assessment purposes, to personal experience. The reliable word of reliable witnesses puts the jury in possession of what the eye-witness saw.' [Note:. McGuiggan p. 62]

Paul now describes "how" such judgement is to be executed.