mourning and supplication in order that it might be removed. It is a right inherent in every society, and necessary for its existence, to judge of the qualification of its own members ; to receive those whom it judges worthy, and to exchide the unworthy. This right is here clearly recognized as belonging to the church. It is also clear from this passage that this right belongs to each particular church or congregation. The power was vested in the church of Corinth, and not in some officer presiding over that church. The bishop or pastor was not reproved for neglect of discipline ; but the church itself^ in its organized capacity.
3-5. Por I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged abeady, as thougli I were present, (concerning) him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ ; when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to dehver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
These verses constitute one sentence, and must be taken together in order to be understood. The construction of the principal clauses is plain. Paul says, ' I have determined to deliver this man unto Satan.' All the rest is subordinate and circumstantial. The connection of the subordinate clauses is doubtful. Perhaps the best interpretation of the whole pas- sage is the following : ' I, though absent as to the body, yet present as to the spirit, have determined as though present, in the name of the Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spiiit being with you, with the power (i. e. clothed or armed with the power) of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver this man to Satan.' There was to be a meeting of the church, where Paul, spiritually present, would, in the name of Christ, and in the exercise of the miraculous power with which he was invested, deliver the offender to the power of Satan. The connection with what precedes is indicated by the particle for. ' I would ye were in a state of mind to remove this offender, for I have determined to cut him off.' I verily (/u-cV), or I at least. ' Whatever you do or leave undone, I at least will do my duty,' Absent in hody^ hut present in spirit. Neither Paul's capacity nor his authority to judge, nor his power to