Did Paul have the authority to forgive sins?
No, Paul had absolutely no power or authority of forgiving sin, because no one does except Christ Himself. But in the name of Christ, he could agree with them that when they had restored and forgiven the individual, he could concur.
Les teaches that Paul had absolutely no power of forgiving sin, because no one does except Christ Himself. Paul wrote to show proof of their obedience in dealing with the immoral situation, so they might respond and bring the man to forgiveness and restoration. In the name of Christ, Paul could concur with their forgiveness, not forgive independently. The real purpose of restoration was to keep Satan from getting the upper hand, lest he gain an advantage, for we are not ignorant of his devices.
To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
More Questions
How could Paul forgive the man in the person of Christ if he had no power to forgive sins?
Although Paul could not forgive sin himself, in the name of Christ he could agree with the Corinthians when they restored and forgave the individual.
How could Paul forgive the offender if he had no power to forgive sin?
Although Paul had no power to forgive sin, in the name of Christ he could agree with the Corinthians and concur with them when they had restored and forgiven this individual.