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, Absent in body, but present in spirit - Perhaps St. Paul refers to the gift of the discernment of spirits, which it is very likely the apostles in general possessed on extraordinary occasions. He had already seen this matter so clearly, that he had determined on that sort of punishment which should be inflicted for this crime.
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,