1 Corinthians 5:3
For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this.
Paul is passing a verdict upon the sinful man and the Corinthian church through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Some translations make “spirit” to be capitalized as “Spirit,” in references to the Holy Spirit. I like to read it this way because the Greek uses the article before “spirit.” There are several implications of this. One, both Paul and the Corinthians experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is consistent in leading people to holiness. All believers must follow the same standards set out by the Holy Spirit in Scripture, although this may be nuances in various cultures. Second, Paul is filled with the Spirit and knows through the inspiration of the Spirit how the Corinthians should have and now must act towards this sinful man. Paul says that he passes judgment, but it really is not he who is doing this. God has set the standard of holiness in the law. The law (and God by extension) is what passes judgment. Paul is the instrument to remind the Corinthians of the purity God expects. This is a special situation that not all churches will face. But there is an important lesson here, namely, that God expects his people to act in certain ways. When people within the church blatantly and openly violate God’s laws, God may have a leader confront these people and expose their sin.
For older posts, click here.