But present in spirit— Some think this refers to an extraordinary gift which St. Paul had of discerning clearly and circumstantially what was done at a distance. Comp. Colossians 2:5. Exodus 5:26 and Dr. Benson's Hist. vol. 2: p. 16.
Related Commentaries of 1 Corinthians 5:3
1 Corinthians 5:3
3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judgeda already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,