Verse 4
The apostle wanted the believers to view his ruling as the will of the Lord. He assured them that God would back it up with His power as they enforced the discipline. The phrase "in the name of the Lord Jesus" probably modifies "I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh" (1 Corinthians 5:5). [Note: See Fee, The First . . ., pp. 206-8, for supporting arguments.] In passing the following judgment Paul was acting in Jesus’ name, with His authority.
"The church’s refusal to act against the offender in 1 Corinthians 5:2 provides the most striking example of their arrogance and doubt that Paul would execute discipline (1 Corinthians 4:18). Here, therefore, he does execute discipline (1 Corinthians 5:5). They may doubt his ’power’ (1 Corinthians 4:19-21), but he acts by Jesus’ power (1 Corinthians 5:4)." [Note: Keener, p. 48.]
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