execute his judgment, depended on his bodily presence. He was present in spirit. This does not mean simply that he was present in mind, as thinking of them and interested in their welfare ; but it was a presence of knowledge, authority, and power. Have judged already. That is, without waiting either for your decision in the matter, or until I can be per- sonally present with you.
Him that hath so done this deed. This is one of the clauses, the construction of which is doubtful. Our translators insert the word concerning^ which has nothing to answer to it in the text, unless it be considered a part of the translation of the preceding verb, (KCKptKa,) / have judged concerning., i. e. 'I have judged or passed sentence upon him.' This, however, creates embarrassment in the explanation of the fifth verse. The best explanation is to make this clause the object of the verb to deliver., in v. 5. 'I have already determined to de- liver him who did this deed.' As, however, so much inter- venes between the object and the verb, the object {such an one) is repeated in v. 5.
In the name of Christ., means by the authority of Christ, acting as his representative. The phrase includes, on the one hand, the denial that the thing done was done in virtue of his o-wn authority ; and on the other, the claim of the right to act as the organ and agent of Christ. This clause may be con- nected Tvdth what follows. ' Ye being gathered in the name of Christ.' Against this construction, however, it may be urged, 1. That the words would in that case most naturally have been differently placed. That is, it would be more nat- ural to say ; ' Assembled in the name of Christ,' than ' In the name of Christ assembled.' 2. It is a common formula for ex- pressing apostolical authority, to say, ' In the name of Christ.' 3. The sense and parallehsm of the clauses are better if these words are connected with the main verb, ' I have determined in the name of Christ to deliver,' &c. Paul was acting in the consciousness of the authority received from Christ. Compare 2 Thess. 3, 6. Acts 16, 18. When ye are gathered together^ and my spirit. The church was to be convened, and Paul spiritually present. The sentence was not to be passed or executed in secret, but openly. It was to have the solemnity of a judicial proceeding, and, therefore, the people were con- vened, though they were merely spectators. With the i^oioer of our Lord Jesus Christ. This may be connected with the immediately preceding words, 'My spirit invested with the