1 Corinthians 5:3

Paul had spoken earlier about not judging others (1 Corinthians 4:5). That kind of judging had to do with one’s degree of faithfulness to the Lord. Here the issue was blatant immorality. This needed dealing with, and Paul had already determined what the Corinthian Christians should do in this case even though he was not present. The case was so clear that he did not need to be present to know the man was guilty of a serious offense that required strong treatment.