Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 5:3

"For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing," — 1 Corinthians 5:3 (ASV)

For I verily.—The Apostle had fully made up his mind that this offender must be removed, and insists on the Corinthians doing it. So that the previous words imply they might as well have done it without waiting for his interference.

As absent in body.—Better, omit “as,” which is not in the best manuscripts.