For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
Ver. 3. Have judged already, &c.] q.d. I by mine apostolic authority do excommunicate him. And yet how fiercely doth learned Erastus contend with Calvin and Beza about excommunication, denying the Church any such power. The Jews had their three sorts of excommunication. The heathen also had theirs; among the old Gauls, if any one did not obey the decrees of their Druids or priests, he was forbidden their sacrifices; and therehence shunned by all as a wicked man, he had no benefit of their laws, nor any respect given him, &c.