NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Jas 2:1-7 1My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool," 4have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?
Jas 2:1 "My brethren" See notes at Jas 1:2 ; Jas 1:9 .
▣ "do not hold" This is a present active imperative with a negative particle which usually means to stop an act that is already in process. The Williams translation has "stop trying to maintain. . ." This implies that the people acting this way were misguided believers.
NASB, NJB "your faith"
NKJV "the faith"
NRSV "really believe"
TEV "as believers"
This is not "faith" in the sense of doctrine, as in Act 6:7 ; Act 13:8 ; Act 14:22 ; Gal 1:23 ; Gal 3:23 ; Gal 6:10 ; Php 1:27 ; Jud 1:3 ; Jud 1:20 , but personal trust in Christ (objective genitive).
▣ "in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ" This genitive phrase is literally "of the glory" and is in apposition to the genitive phrase literally "of the Lord." This is a title for deity in the Bible (cf. Psa 29:1-9 ; Act 7:2 ; Eph 1:17 ). The rabbis used the term "Shekinah glory" to speak of YHWH dwelling with Israel (cf. Exo 16:10 ; 2Ch 7:1-3 ).
Here the phrase describes Jesus (cf. Luk 2:32 ; Joh 1:14 ; Joh 17:5 ; 1Co 2:8 ; Heb 1:3 ). Notice that Jesus is called (1) Messiah (Christ in Greek); (2) Lord (Greek translation of YHWH using the meaning of the substituted term Adonai); and (3) "of glory" (unique title for YHWH). These titles are a literary technique of attributing the divine characteristics of YHWH to Jesus of Nazareth.
SPECIAL TOPIC: GLORY (DOXA) <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/glory_doxa.html>
▣ "Lord" The term Kurios only appears once in this context, not twice as in the RSV, NKJV, TEV, and NJB translations.
NASB "with an attitude of personal favoritism"
NKJV "with partiality"
NRSV "with your acts of favoritism"
TEV "you must never treat people in different ways according to their outward appearance"
NJB "do not let class distinctions enter"
This reflects an OT idiom, "to lift the face." God does not show partiality (cf. Deu 10:17 ) nor should Israel's judges (cf. Lev 19:15 ; Deu 1:17 ; Deu 16:19 ; Deu 24:17 ). The NT counterpoint of God's impartiality is found in Act 10:34 ; Rom 2:11 ; Gal 2:6 ; Eph 6:9 ; and 1Pe 1:17 . Believers must be careful of worldly distinctions. They must also be impartial. God (in Christ), has torn down every barrier that humans have raised to their fellow man: rich-poor; Jew-Gentile; slave-free; and men-women (cf. 1Co 12:13 ; Gal 3:28 ; Col 3:11 ).
Grammatically, Jas 2:1 is either a statement or a question which expects a "no" answer (NRSV). Most translations make it a statement (NASB, NKJV, TEV, NJB, NIV).
SPECIAL TOPIC: RACISM <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/racism.html>
SPECIAL TOPIC: WOMEN IN THE BIBLE <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/women_bible.html>
Jas 2:2 "if" This is a third class conditional which refers to potential action. This refers to (1) hypothetical wealthy visitors coming to a Jewish, Christian worship meeting or (2) a synagogue-like Christian court setting.
▣ "your assembly" This is literally "synagogue," which means "to bring together." The use of this uniquely Jewish term (found only here in the NT) reflects (1) the early date of the letter when Christians and Jews were still worshiping together (cf. Heb 10:25 ) or (2) the early Jewish Christians' worship services patterned after a synagogue structure. The presence of "seats of honor" and "footstool" in the Jewish Synagogue (cf. Mat 23:6 ) seems to confirm this interpretation (cf. Jas 2:3 ). I think the assembly described is not a worship setting but a Christian court similar to those held in the synagogue (cf. Mar 13:9 ; Luk 21:12 ). If so, the two visitors (litigants) are part of a legal proceeding. This may explain (1) why they do not know where to sit and (2) the reference to "drag you into court" in Jas 2:6 (cf. Lev 19:15 ).
▣ "gold ring" This was a sign of wealth; often in the Greco-Roman culture several rings were worn on each hand.
NASB, NRSV "poor man in dirty clothes"
NKJV "a poor man in filthy clothes"
TEV "a man in ragged clothes"
NJB "a poor man. . .in shabby clothes"
This implies not only poverty, but a beggar, the cultural opposite of the finely dressed man.
Jas 2:4 "have you not made distinctions among yourselves" Jas 2:4-5 are questions which expect a "yes" answer. Believers were and are guilty of showing distinctions and favoritism (much like the church in Corinth, i.e., chapter 1:1 ). "Distinctions" is a compound word of dia (through) with krina (judge).
Jas 2:5 "Listen" This is an aorist active imperative which expresses urgency. Remember James' emphasis is on the word of God!
▣ "my beloved brethren" See notes at Jas 1:2 ; Jas 1:9 .
▣ "did not God choose the poor of this world" "Choose" is an aorist middle indicative (cf. Eph 1:4 ). We get the English word "elect" from this Greek term. Notice how election is linked with a certain socio-economic group, not a national group (i.e., Israel, Romans 9) nor individuals. God's ways are so different from the world (i.e., Isa 55:6-13 ).. Reversals are typical (in Scripture).
"Of this world" is literally "in this world" used in the sense of this world's goods. The irony is that God has chosen to bless the poor and socially ostracized. God has chosen them and made them rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, but the local worship leaders were favoring the wealthy and powerful. These were the very ones who were persecuting the early believers. The gospel being preached to the poor was a sign of the New Age (cf. Isaiah 6:1 ff; Mat 11:5 ; Luk 1:51-53 ; Luk 4:18 ; Luk 7:22 ).
The poor have always felt ostracized from "official" religion, but they were wonderfully accepted and embraced by Jesus. The poor gladly accepted Christ, while the rich tended to trust in their own resources (cf. Mat 19:23-26 ). This is not to imply that every poor person is saved, but they surely are welcome to come to Jesus. Most of the early church were from the poorer classes of society.
▣ "heirs" See Special Topic below.
SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVERS' INHERITANCE <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/believers_inheritance.html>
▣ "the kingdom" This is a key phrase in the Synoptic Gospels. Jesus' first and last sermons, and most of His parables, dealt with this topic.
The phrase relates to the eschatological (end-time) thrust of Jesus' teachings (followed by James). This "already, but not yet" theological paradox relates to the Jewish concept of two ages (see Special Topic at Jas 5:2-3 ), the current evil age and the righteous age to come, which will be inaugurated by the Spirit through the Messiah. The Jews expected only one coming of a Spirit-empowered military leader (like the Judges in the OT). The two comings of Jesus caused an overlapping of the two ages. The Kingdom of God has broken into human history with the incarnation at Bethlehem. However, Jesus came the first time not as the military conqueror of Revelation 1:9 , but as the Suffering Servant (cf. Isaiah 5:3 ) and the humble leader (cf. Zec 9:9 ).
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KINGDOM OF GOD <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/kingdom_of_god.html>
▣ "which He promised to those who love Him" See note at Jas 1:12 .
Jas 2:6 "But you" This is an emphatic contrast (much like Heb 6:9 ) to what God has done for the poor, powerless, and ostracized of Jas 2:5 .
▣ "the rich" The rich are characterized as (1) oppressing you; (2) dragging you to court; and (3) blaspheming the name by which you are called. Can these be wealthy believers? I think not! See note at Jas 2:2 .
Jas 2:7 NASB "blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called"
NKJV "blaspheme that noble name by which you are called"
NRSV "blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you"
TEV "who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you"
NJB "who insult the honorable name which has been pronounced over you"
This is literally "called upon you." Culturally this could refer to
1. a patriarchal family blessing (cf. Gen 48:16 )
2. a way to designate YHWH's people (cf. 2Ch 7:14 ; Jer 14:9 ; Dan 9:19 ; Amo 9:12 [quoted in Act 15:17 ])
3. a wife taking her husband's name (cf. Isa 4:1 )
4. a slave becoming a permanent property of another
5. a baptismal formula (cf. Mat 28:19 ; Act 2:21 ; Act 2:38 )
6. an Old Testament title for the covenantal people of God (cf. Deu 28:10 ; 2Ch 6:33 ; 2Ch 7:14 )
7. the title "Christian" (little Christs), first given in derision to believers at Antioch of Syria (cf. Act 11:26 ).
In context #5 fits best.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Jas 2:8-13 8If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
Jas 2:8 "If" Both Jas 2:8-9 start with first class conditional sentences which are assumed to be true from the author's perspective or for his literary purposes. His hearers/readers were fulfilling the royal law if they loved appropriately.
▣ "royal law" This concept goes by several names (cf. Jas 1:25 ; Jas 2:12 ; Rom 8:2 ; Gal 6:2 ). It obviously points back to the Ten Commandments (cf. Jas 2:11 ) but reaches into the inaugurated New Age of Jesus' teachings, a new way of treating God and our covenant partners (cf. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7).
▣ "according to the Scripture" This is a quote from Lev 19:18 , but with an eye toward Lev 19:15 (i.e., you shall not be partial).
▣ "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" Appropriate self-love, in a Christian sense, is crucial in appropriately loving others (cf. Mat 19:19 ; Mar 12:31 ; Luk 10:27 ; Rom 13:9 ). Jesus often used Lev 19:18 , along with Deu 6:4-5 , as summaries of the whole law (cf. Mat 7:12 ; Mat 22:40 ).
Jas 2:9 "if you show partiality" This is another first class conditional sentence, like Jas 2:8 . It is a strong word for the church today. We dare not play favorites with those for whom Christ died (cf. Rom 14:15 ; Rom 14:20 ; 1Jn 2:9-11 ; 1Jn 3:9-18 ).
▣ "you are committing sin" "Sin" is in an emphatic position in the Greek sentence. Showing partiality was a violation of the Mosaic covenant and the law of love (the royal law).
▣ "convicted by the law as transgressors" Transgression means to "step over a known boundary" and was one of the OT definitions of sin. Notice this is not ignorance, but willful action against God's revealed will.
Jas 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all" This is an important verse in helping to explain the theological difficulty of righteousness by human merit and the purpose of the Mosaic law (cf. Gal 3:15-29 ). Partial obedience, or temporary obedience, was never enough to be accepted by God through the Mosaic covenant (cf. Mat 5:19 ; Gal 5:3 ). This type of summary statement about keeping the whole law (boys from age 1:3 ) and (Jewish girls from age 1:2 ) is the theological basis of Paul's OT quotes and strong summary statement of mankind's sinfulness in Rom 3:9-23 .
Jas 2:11 This is the order of the Ten Commandments in the Septuagint (which shows James' early Jewish flavor), which was the Greek translation of the OT begun about 25:0 B.C. and is quoted by most NT authors.
Jas 2:12 "So speak and so act" These are both present active imperatives. Believers' words and lives must agree. We must practice what we preach (cf. Matthew 7). This is the major theme of the book!
▣ "who are to be judged" All humans will be judged (cf. Mat 25:31-46 ; Act 17:31 ; Rom 2:6 ; Rom 2:16 ; Rom 3:6 ; Rev 20:11-15 ). Even Christians will be judged (cf. Rom 14:10 ; 2Co 5:10 ), but apparently not for sin, but for their attitudes, availability and for the use of their spiritual gifts.
Jas 2:13 "judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy" This is the spiritual principle that humans reap what they sow (cf. Mat 6:14-15 ; Mat 7:1-5 ; Mat 18:22-35 ;Gal 6:7 ). It may have been a well-known proverb in Palestine. It is the negative of Jesus' statement in Mat 5:7 . This is not works-oriented salvation, but the family characteristics of God should be evident in His children's lives (cf. Mat 7:13-27 ; 1 Corinthians 1:3 ).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. How do we discriminate in our churches today?
2. Why has God chosen the poor to be blessed and saved? Why is it so hard for the rich to become believers? Why did this shock the Jews of Jesus' day?
3. Why is Jas 2:10 so important?
4. How do the OT commandments relate to "the law of liberty"?
5. How do Jas 2:12-13 relate to justification by faith?
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS INTO Jas 2:14-26 A. This section of James has caused major theological controversy. This comes not so much from the passage, contextually understood, but from our theological presuppositions and dogmatic systems of proof-texted, western theology.
B. James and Paul do not contradict, but complement one another. The seeming contradiction comes from a misunderstanding of (1) the purpose; (2) the recipients; and (3) definitions of key words (i.e., faith, works) of the NT books of Romans and James.
1. Paul is writing to Jews who believe that they are right with God on the basis of (1) their race (nationality) and (2) their keeping the law of Moses (legalism). Paul speaks of entering into the Christian life. He uses Abraham's life as an OT example of being declared right with God before circumcision and before the Mosaic Law (cf. Gen 15:6 ), based solely on God's initiating grace and the appropriate faith response (cf. Rom 4:3 ; Gal 3:6 ).
2. James is writing to church people who are making Christianity a creed instead of a lifestyle (antinomians or intellectualists, Jewish Gnostics). These folks are asserting orthodoxy as the basis for their assurance of salvation. The books of James and 1 John assert that daily love in action is not an option for Christians, but is the evidence of their being Christians. For James, "works" are not Jewish rules, but love in action (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:3 ).
3. Paul and James are not giving two ways of salvation, but two aspects of one salvation. Paul speaks of the beginning of Abraham's walk of faith (cf. Genesis 1:5 ), and James speaks of its ongoing characteristics (birth of Isaac versus offering of Isaac, cf. Genesis 2:2 ).
4. It is not "faith or works" but "faith and works." Not only is faith without works dead, but works without faith is also dead (cf. Mat 7:21-23 ; Joh 15:1-6 ). Being a carnal, weak, baby Christian is possible (cf. 1Co 3:1-3 ; 1Co 3:10-15 ; Heb 5:11-14 ), but it is the exception, not the norm.
5. John Calvin said "faith alone justifies but the faith which justifies is not alone."
C. This section functions as an encouragement to active faith. In a sense it is a passage on assurance— not assurance as a doctrine, but as a lifestyle. Assurance is surely a biblical truth, but only in connection with daily Christlikeness, not systematic theology! We are saved to serve. Service is the evidence of salvation. It is never the means, but it is the goal, the fruit (cf. Eph 2:8-10 ). This truth is much needed in our day of (1) easy believism and (2) assurance as a denominational theological tenet (usually given as a dogmatic statement at the beginning of the Christian life).
D. The entire book of James deals with the practical issue of how believers use their resources (physical and spiritual) on behalf of the Kingdom. Allocation of physical resources reveals the heart!
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Jas 2:14-17 14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
Jas 2:14 NASB "What use is it"
NKJV "What does it profit"
NRSV, TEV "what good is it"
NJB "How does it help"
Grammatically this question expects a "no" answer. Faith without works is of no use, no profit.
▣ "my brethren" See notes at Jas 1:2 ; Jas 1:9 .
▣ "if someone says" This is a third class conditional sentence, "someone may say." It is structured like the diatribe form (a supposed objector) of Jas 1:26 .
▣ "he has faith" Biblical faith (pistis) has several aspects: (1) doctrine (cf. 1Jn 4:1-6 ; Jud 1:3 ; Jud 1:20 ; (2) personal relationship and commitment to Jesus (cf. Joh 1:12 ; Joh 3:16 ; Rom 10:9-13 ); and (3) godly lifestyle (cf. James and 1 John). All three aspects are involved in genuine, mature faith.
SPECIAL TOPIC: Believe, Trust, Faith, and Faithfulness in the Old Testament (ïîà) <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/believe_faith_trust_ot.html>
▣ "Can that faith save him" This is used in an eschatological sense. Judgment will be based on (1) works (cf. Mat 25:31 ff; Rom 2:6 ; 2Co 5:10 ; Gal 6:7-9 ) and (2) faith (cf. Romans 4; 1Co 3:10-15 ; Galatians 3). This is the second question of Jas 2:14 . It also expects a "no" answer.
Jas 2:15 "if" This is a third class conditional sentence which is an example of how believers should not act, especially toward other believers.
Jas 2:16 "Go in peace" This phrase is a Present active imperative. "Be warmed" is a present middle (deponent) imperative and "be filled" is a present middle imperative. This is a veiled prayer for God to provide their needs. It is an OT idiom for God's provision (cf. Jdg 18:6 ; 1Sa 1:17 ; 1Sa 20:42 ; 2Sa 15:9 ). It reflects a shallow, flippant response, much like our "I will pray for you" (cf. 1Jn 3:17-18 ) when used in an insincere manner. One thing is sure, the ones saying these veiled prayers are not going to do anything themselves to help!
Jas 2:17 "if" This is another third class conditional sentence. James is using this literary construction which suggests a contingency to illustrate the difference between true faith and fake faith or possibly mature faith versus weak faith.
This is an important theological summary statement (cf. Jas 2:20 ; Jas 2:26 ). In his Study Guide Commentary on James Curtis Vaughan sees these three summary statements as constituting the main outline: (1) genuine faith is not an empty claim (Jas 2:14-17 ); (2) genuine faith is not mere acceptance of a creed (Jas 2:18-20 ); and (3) genuine faith is faith that produces an obedient life (Jas 2:21-26 , p. 56).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Jas 2:18-26 18But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." 19You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. 24You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Jas 2:18-20 Grammatically this is a very ambiguous passage as to punctuation and pronoun antecedents. It is uncertain whether there is (1) one supporter of James' position; (2) one objector to James' position; (3) one of each; or (4) two opposing hypothetical persons alluded to by James. It is uncertain whether the quotation stops at Jas 2:18 a (NKJV, NRSV, NIV) or 1:8 b (NASB, TEV) or if it goes through Jas 2:19 .
It is possible that James' supposed objector is claiming that Christians have different spiritual gifts, some faith and some works. James responds that faith is not a gift, but a bedrock relationship of trust in Christ. To know Christ is to emulate Him; to live as He lived; to love as He loved; to give oneself to others as He gave Himself to others (cf. 1Jn 3:16 ).
Spiritual giftedness is not a reduction of Christian responsibility, but an empowerment for effective ministry (in conjunction with other believers).
▣ "show me your faith without works" This is an aorist active imperative. This would be a similar truth to the parable of the sower in Matthew 1:3 . Fruit-bearing, not initial response, proves genuineness (cf. Tit 1:16 ; 1Jn 2:4 ). No fruit, no root!
Jas 2:19 "You believe that God is one" This truth (monotheism) was the first test of orthodoxy for Judaism (cf. Deu 4:35 ; Deu 4:39 ; Deu 6:4-5 ; Mar 12:29 ). Yet the demons believe this also (cf. Mat 4:3 ; Mar 5:7 ). Christianity is not only correct doctrine, but a relationship of obedience and love. Orthodoxy alone, without orthopraxy, is empty (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:3 ). A theological, intellectual commitment to monotheism (cf. Rom 3:30 ; 1Co 8:4 ; 1Co 8:6 ; Eph 4:6 ; 1Ti 2:5 ) does not make one right with God. Proper belief cannot save, for who among fallen humanity has perfectly accurate theology? Salvation through Christ affects the head (doctrine), the heart (volitional trust in Christ), and the hand (lifestyle Christlikeness).
▣ "the demons also believe" Demons know who Jesus is! Demons believe in monotheism!
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEMONIC (UNCLEAN SPIRITS) <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/demonic.html>
▣ "and shudder" This is possibly related to the practice of exorcism in YHWH's name. This term was often used in this sense in the magical papyri found in Egypt.
Jas 2:20 NASB "that faith without works is useless"
NKJV "that faith without words is dead"
NRSV "that faith apart from works is barren"
NJB "that faith without deeds is useless"
Three possible translations come from the most ancient Greek manuscripts:
1. א, A, C2 have "dead," (cf. Jas 2:26 )
2. B and CΑ have "barren"
3. P74, the Bodmer Papyri, has "vain" (used earlier in Jas 2:20 )
USB4 rates #2 as "B" (almost certain").
Jas 2:21 This question expects a "yes" answer.
▣ "Abraham" He is used by both Paul (cf. Genesis 1:5 quoted in Romans 4) and James (quotes Genesis 2:2 ) to prove their theological points, but each uses different events in his life. Paul speaks of his initial call and promises (i.e., the birth of Isaac), but James speaks of the consummation of his faith years later (i.e., the offering of Isaac).
▣ "our father" This term seems to reflect Jewish Christian recipients (cf. Mat 3:9 ; Joh 8:39 ). However, Paul uses this same concept for Gentiles (cf. Rom 2:28-29 ; Rom 4:11-12 ; Rom 4:16 ; Gal 3:7 ; Gal 6:16 ).
▣ "justified by works" This is the Greek verb dikaioô. The semantic field (possible meanings and connotations) this term has is interesting:
I. From Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, and Danker, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (p. 196-197)
A. "Show justice" or "do justice to someone"
B. "Justify, vindicate, treat as just"
C. Paul uses the term for God's judgment
1. of men
a. "be acquitted"
b. "be pronounced and treated as righteous"
2. of God's activity - "make upright"
3. "to make free or pure" (ACTIVE)
or "to be made free or pure" (PASSIVE)
4. "God is proved to be right"
II. From Louw and Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains, 2nd edition (vol. 2 p. 64).
A. "to put right with" (vol. 1, 34:46, p. 452)
B. "show to be right" (vol. 1, 86:16, p. 744)
C. "acquit" (vol. 1, 56:34, p. 557)
D. "set free" (vol. 1, 37:138, p. 489)
E. "obey righteous commands" (vol. 1, 36:22, p. 468)
When one compares these lexical usages it becomes clear how Paul could use this term in one way (specialized forensic sense of "made righteous") and James in another (shown to be righteous by one's godly living). The term is fluid enough to allow both. But please remember it is a "both/and" situation, not an "either/or." Also be careful of a set theological definition of this term (or any term) which is then read into every usage of the word in Scripture. Words only have meaning in specific contexts! See SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/righteousness.html> at Jas 1:20 .
▣ "offered up Isaac" The offering of Isaac (cf. Genesis 2:2 ) was not the grounds of Abraham's faith (cf. Genesis 1:2 , 15), but the result and expression. James is using the term "works" in a different way than Paul. James is speaking of the Christian's lifestyle faith (cf. 1 John), while Paul is speaking of a works-righteousness of the Jews (or Judaizers of Galatians) as a basis for being accepted by God (cf. Rom 10:2-3 ).
Jas 2:22 "faith was working with his works" This is an Imperfect active indicative which denotes continual action in past time. There is a word play between "working with" (syn + ergon) and "works" (ergôn). The word "work" is used eleven times in Jas 2:14-26 and only three times in the rest of the book of James.
▣ "faith was perfected" This is an aorist passive indicative. Faith is initiated and perfected by God, but believers' volition and actions are also part of the equation. The term "perfected" means "mature," "equipped for the assigned task," "complete." The biblical covenant concept unites the sovereignty of God and the free will of humanity to form a contract or agreement which has both benefits and obligations, a gift and a requirement.
SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/covenant.html>
Jas 2:23 "the Scripture" This refers to Gen 15:6 , as do Rom 4:3 and Gal 3:6 . James is saying that this verse was "fulfilled" by Abraham's later actions in his willingness to obey God and offer Isaac, the son of promise, as a sacrifice on Mt. Moriah (cf. Genesis 2:2 ).
▣ "the friend of God" Abraham is called by this title two times in the OT (cf. 2Ch 20:7 ; Isa 41:8 ).
Jas 2:24 "You" This is plural. James is now addressing his readers/hearers!
▣ "justified by works" See note at Jas 2:21 .
Jas 2:25 "Rahab the harlot" She was Judaism's ultimate proof of God's forgiveness and the power of repentance (i.e., a Canaanite prostitute, cf. Joshua 2). She also is an ancestor of Jesus (cf. Mat 1:4 ). James uses two extremes, Abraham and Rahab, to prove his point.
Jas 2:26 Active love is to faith what the breath is to the human body. We could summarize James' description of lifeless faith as (1) demonic, Jas 2:19 ; (2) vain, Jas 2:20 ; and (3) dead, Jas 2:26 .
This reproof seems at first sight to be hard and unreasonable; for it is one of the duties of courtesy, not to be neglected, to honor those who are elevated in the world. Further, if respect of persons be vicious, servants are to be freed from all subjection; for freedom and servitude are deemed by Paul as conditions of life. The same must be thought of magistrates. But the solution of these questions is not difficult, if what James writes is not separated. For he does not simply disapprove of honor being paid to the rich, but that this should not be done in a way so as to despise or reproach the poor; and this will appear more clearly, when he proceeds to speak of the rule of love.
Let us therefore remember that the respect of persons here condemned is that by which the rich is so extolled, wrong is done to the poor, which also he shews clearly by the context and surely ambitions is that honor, and full of vanity, which is shewn to the rich to the contempt of the poor. Nor is there a doubt but that ambition reigns and vanity also, when the masks of this world are alone in high esteem. We must remember this truth, that he is to be counted among the heirs of God’s kingdom, who disregards the reprobate and honors those who fear God. (Psa 15:4.)
Here then is the contrary vice condemned, that is, when from respect alone to riches, anyone honors the wicked, and as it has been said, dishonors the good. If then thou shouldest read thus, “He sins who respects the rich,” the sentence would be absurd; but if as follows, “He sins who honors the rich alone and despises the poor, and treats him with contempt,” it would be a pious and true doctrine.
1Have not the faith, etc. , with respect of persons. He means that the respect of persons is inconsistent with the faith of Christ, so that they cannot be united together, and rightly so; for we are by faith united into one body, in which Christ holds the primacy. When therefore the pomps of the world become preeminent so as to cover over what Christ is, it is evident that faith hath but little vigor.
In rendering τὢς δόξης, “on account of esteem,” (ex opinione ,) I have followed Erasmus; though the old interpreter cannot be blamed, who has rendered it “glory,” for the word means both; and it may be fitly applied to Christ, and that according to the drift of the passage. For so great is the brightness of Christ, that it easily extinguishes all the glories of the world, if indeed it irradiates our eyes. It hence follows, that Christ is little esteemed by us, when the admiration of worldly glory lays hold on us. But the other exposition is also very suitable, for when the esteem or value of riches or of honors dazzles our eyes, the truth is suppressed, which ought alone to prevail. To sit becomingly means to sit honorably.
4. Are ye not then partial in yourselves ? or, are ye not condemned in yourselves. This may be read affirmatively as well as interrogatively, but the sense would be the same, for he amplifies the fault by this, that they took delight and indulged themselves in so great a wickedness. If it be read interrogatively, the meaning is, “Does not your own conscience hold you convicted, so that you need no other judge?” If the affirmative be preferred, it is the same as though he had said, “This evil also happens, that ye think not that ye sin, nor know that your thoughts are so wicked as they are.” (112)
(112) It is commonly admitted to be an interrogatory sentence: “And do ye not make a difference among (or, in) yourselves, and become judges, having evil thoughts?” literally, “judges of evil thoughts,” it being, as they say, the genitive case of possession. Or the words may be rendered, “and become judges of evil (or, false) reasonings?” or as Beza renders the sentence, “and become judges, reasoning falsely,” concluding that the rich man was good and the poor man bad.
It is said by Beza and others, that διακρίνομαι never means to be judged or condemned, but to distinguish, to discriminate, to make a difference, and also to contend and to doubt. The difference made here was the respect of persons that was shewn, and they made this difference in themselves, in their own minds, through the perverse or false thoughts or reasonings which they entertained. But it appears that these preferences were shewn, not to the members of the Church, but to such strangers as might happen to come to their assemblies.
5. Hearken, my beloved brethren. He proves now by a two-fold argument, that they acted preposterously, when for the sake of the rich they despised the poor: The first is, that it is unbecoming and disgraceful to cast down those whom God exalts, and to treat reproachfully those whom he honors. As God honors the poor, then every one who repudiates them, reverses the order of God. The other argument is taken from common experience; for since the rich are for the most part vexatious to the good and innocent, it is very unreasonable to render such a reward for the wrongs they do, so that they should be more approved by us than the poor, who aid us more than they wrong us. We shall now see how he proceeds with these two points.
Hath not God chosen the poor of this world? Not indeed alone, but he wished to begin with them, that he might beat down the pride of the rich. This is also what Paul says, that God hath chosen, not many noble, not many mighty in the world, but those who are weak, that he might make ashamed such as are strong (1Co 1:25.) In short, though God pours forth his grace on the rich in common with the poor, yet his will is to prefer these to those, that the mighty might learn not to flatter themselves, and that the ignoble and the obscure might ascribe in what they are to the mercy of God, and that both might be trained up to meekness and humility.
The rich in faith are not those who abound in the greatness of faith, but such as God has enriched with the various gifts of his Spirit, which we receive by faith. For, doubtless, since the Lord deals bountifully with all, every one becomes partaker of his gifts according to the measure of his own faith. If, then, we are empty or needy, that proves the deficiency of our faith; for if we only enlarge the bosom of faith, God is always ready to fill it.
He says, that a kingdom is promised to those who love God: not that the promise depends on love; but he reminds us that we are called by God unto the hope of eternal life, on this condition and to this end, that we may love him. Then the end, and not the beginning, is here pointed out.
6. Do not the rich. He seems to instigate them to vengeance by bringing forward the unjust rule of the rich, in order that they who were unjustly treated, might render like for like: and yet we are everywhere bid to do good to those who injure us. But the object of James was another; for he only wished to shew that they were without reason or judgment who through ambition honored their executioners, and in the meantime injured their own friends, at least those from whom they never suffered any wrong. For hence appeared more fully their vanity, that they were induced by no acts of kindness: they only admired the rich, because they were rich; nay, they servilely flattered those whom they found, to their own loss, to be unjust and cruel.
There are, indeed, some of the rich who are just, and meek, and hate all unrighteousness; but few of such men are to be found. James, then, mentions what for the most part usually happens, and what daily experience proves true. For as men commonly exercise their power in doing what is wrong, it hence happens, that the more power any one has, the worse he is, and the more unjust towards his neighbors. The more careful then ought the rich to be, lest they should contract any of the contagion which everywhere prevails among those of their own rank.
7. Worthy, or good name. I doubt not but that he refers here to the name of God and of Christ. And he says, by, or, on, the which ye are called; not in prayer, as Scripture is wont sometimes to speak, but by profession; as the name of a father, in Gen 48:16, is said to be called on his offspring, and in Isa 4:1, the name of a husband is called on the wife. It is, then, the same as though he had said, “The good name in which ye glory, or which ye deem it an honor to be called by; but if they proudly calumniate the glory of God, how unworthy are they of being honored by Christians!”
Now follows a plainer declaration; for he expressly points out the cause of the last reproof, for they were officiously attentive to the rich, not from love, but on the contrary, from a vain desire of attaining their favor: And it is in anticipation, by which he obviated an excuse on the other side; for they might have objected and said, that he ought not to be blamed, who humbly submiteth himself to the unworthy. James, indeed, concedes that this is true, but he shews that it was falsely pretended by them, because they shewed this submission of homage, not from love to their neighbors, but from respect of persons.
In the first clause, then, he acknowledges as right and praiseworthy, as the duties of love which we perform towards our neighbors. In the second, he denies that the ambitious respect of persons ought to be deemed as of this kind, for it widely differs from what the law prescribes. And the hinge of this answer turns on the words “neighbor” and “respect of persons,” as though he had said, “If you pretend that there is a sort of love in what you do, this may be easily disproved; for God bids us to love our neighbors, and not to shew respect of persons.” Besides, this word “neighbor” includes all mankind: he, then, who says, that a very few, according to his own fancy, ought to be honored, and others passed by, does not keep the law of God, but yields to the depraved desires of his own heart. God expressly commends to us strangers and enemies, and all, even the most contemptible. To this doctrine the respect of persons is wholly contrary. Hence, rightly does James assert, that respect of persons is inconsistent with love.
8If ye fulfill the royal law. The law here I take simply as the rule of life; and to fulfill, or perform it, is to keep it with real integrity of heart, and as they say, roundly, (rotunde ;) and he sets such a keeping in opposition to a partial observance of it. It is said, indeed, to be a royal law, as it is the royal way, or road; that is, plain, straight, and level, which, by implication, is set in opposition to sinuous by-paths and windings.
Allusion however is made, as I think, to servile obedience which they rendered to the rich, when they might, by serving in sincerity their neighbors, be not only free men, but live as kings.
When, in the second place, he says, that those who had respect of persons were convinced, or reproved by the law, the law is taken according to its proper meaning. For since we are bidden by God’s command to embrace all mortals, every one who, with a few exceptions, rejects all the rest, breaks the bond of God, and inverts also his order, and is, therefore, rightly called a transgressor of the law.
10For whosoever shall keep the whole law. What alone he means is, that God will not be honored with exceptions, nor will he allow us to cut off from his law what is less pleasing to us. At the first view, this sentence seems hard to some, as though the apostle countenanced the paradox of the Stoics, which makes all sins equal, and as though he asserted that he who offends in one thing ought to be punished equally with him whose whole life has been sinful and wicked. But it is evident from the context that no such thing entered into his mind.
For we must always observe the reason anything is said. He denies that our neighbors are loved when a part only of them is through ambition chosen, and the rest neglected. This he proves, because it is no obedience to God, when it is not rendered equally according to his command. Then as the rule of God is plain and complete or perfect, so we ought to regard completeness; so that none of us should presumptuously separate what he has joined together. Let there be, therefore, a uniformity, if we desire rightly to obey God. As, for instance, were a judge to punish ten thefts, and leave one man unpunished, he would betray the obliquity of his mind, for he would thus shew himself indignant against men rather than against crimes; because what he condemns in one he absolves in another.
We now, then, understand the design of James, that is, that if we cut off from God’s law what is less agreeable to us, though in other parts we may be obedient, yet we be come guilty of all, because in one particular thing we violate the whole law. And though he accommodates what is said to the subject in hand, it is yet taken from a general principle, — that God has prescribed to us a rule of life, which it is not lawful for us to mutilate. For it is not said of a part of the law, “This is the way, walk ye in it;” nor does the law promise a reward except to universal obedience.
Foolish, then, are the schoolmen, who deem partial righteousness, as they call it, to be meritorious; for this passage and many others, clearly shew that there is no righteousness except in a perfect obedience to the law.
11For he that said, or he who hath said. This is a proof of the former verse; because the Lawgiver is to be considered rather than each particular precept apart. The righteousness of God, as an indivisible body, is contained in the law. Whosoever, then, transgresses one article of the Law, destroys, as far as he can, the righteousness of God. Besides, as in one part, so in every part, God’s will is to try our obedience. Hence a transgressor of the law is every one who offends as to any one of its commandments according to this saying,
“Cursed is he who fulfills not all things.”
(Deu 27:26.)
We further see, that the transgressor of the law, and the guilty of all, mean the same according to James.
12So speak ye. Some give this explanation, that as they flattered themselves too much, they are summoned to the right tribunal; for men absolve themselves according to their own notions, because they withdraw themselves from the judgment of the divine law. He then reminds them that all deeds and words are there to be accounted for, because God will judge the world according to his law. As, however, such a declaration might have smitten them with immoderate terror, to correct or mitigate what they might have thought severe, he adds, the law of liberty. For we know what Paul says,
“Whosoever are under the law are under a curse.”
(Gal 3:10.)
Hence the judgment of the law in itself is condemnation to eternal death; but he means by the word liberty, that we are freed from the rigor of the law.
This meaning is not altogether unsuitable, though if one examines more minutely what immediately follows, he will see that James meant another thing; the sense is as though he had said, “Except ye wish to undergo the rigor of the law, ye must be less rigid towards your neighbors; for the law of liberty is the same as the mercy of God, which delivers us from the curse of the law” And so this verse ought to be read with what follows, where he speaks of the duty of bearing with infirmities. And doubtless the whole passage thus reads well: “Since none of us can stand before God, except we be delivered and freed from the strict rigor of the law, we ought so to act, that we may not through too much severity exclude the indulgence or mercy of God, of which we all have need to the last.”
13For he shall have judgment. This is an application of the last verse to the subject in hand, which confirms altogether the second explanation which I have mentioned: for he shews, that since we stand through God’s mercy alone, we ought to shew that to those whom the Lord himself commends to us. It is, indeed, a singular commendation of kindness and benevolence, that God promises that he will be merciful to us, if we be so to our brethren: not that our mercy, how ever great it may be, shewn towards men, merits the mercy of God; but that God would have those whom he has adopted, as he is to them a kind and an indulgent Father, to bear and exhibit his image on the earth, according to the saying of Christ,
“Be ye merciful, as your heavenly Father is merciful.”
(Mat 5:7.)
We must notice, on the other hand, that he could denounce nothing on them more severe or more dreadful than the judgment of God. It hence follows, that all they are miserable and lost who flee not to the asylum of pardon.
And mercy rejoiceth. As though he had said, “God’s mercy alone is that which delivers us from the dread and terror of judgment.” he takes rejoicing or glorying in the sense of being victorious or triumphant; for the judgment of condemnation is suspended over the whole world, and nothing but mercy can bring relief.
Hard and forced is the explanation of those who regard mercy as put here for the person, for men cannot properly be said to rejoice or glory against the judgment of God; but mercy itself in a manner triumphs, and alone reigns when the severity of judgment gives way; though I do not deny but that hence arises confidence in rejoicing, that is, when the faithful know that the wrath of God in a manner yields to mercy, so that being relieved by the latter, they are not overwhelmed by the former.
14What doth it profit. He proceeds to commend mercy. And as he had threatened that God would be a severe Judge to us, and at the same time very dreadful, except we be kind and merciful towards our neighbors, and as on the other hand hypocrites objected and said, that faith is sufficient to us, in which the salvation of men consists, he now condemns this vain boasting. The sum, then, of what is said is, that faith without love avails nothing, and that it is therefore wholly dead.
But here a question arises, Can faith be separated from love? It is indeed true that the exposition of this passage has produced that common distinction of the Sophists, between unformed and formed faith; but of such a thing James knew nothing, for it appears from the first words, that he speaks of false profession of faith: for he does not begin thus, “If any one has faith;” but, “If any says that he has faith;” by which he certainly intimates that hypocrites boast of the empty name of faith, which really does not belong to them.
That he calls it then faith, is a concession, as the Rhetoricians say; for when we discuss a point, it does no harm, nay, it is sometimes expedient, to concede to an adversary what he demands, for as soon as the thing itself is known, what is conceded may be easily taken away from him. James then, as he was satisfied that it was a false pretext by which hypocrites covered themselves, was not disposed to raise a dispute about a word or an expression. Let us, however, remember that he does not speak according to the impression of his own mind when he mentions faith, but that on the contrary he disputes against those who made a false pretense as to faith, of which they were wholly destitute.
Can faith save him? This is the same as though he had said, that we do not attain salvation by a frigid and bare knowledge of God, which all confess to be most true; for salvation comes to us by faith for this reason, because it joins us to God. And this comes not in any other way than by being united to the body of Christ, so that, living through his Spirit, we are also governed by him. There is no such thing as this in the dead image of faith. There is then no wonder that James denies that salvation is connected with it. (113)
(113) When he says “Can faith save him?” his meaning is “Can the faith which he says he has save him?” that is, faith which is dead and produces no works; for that is the faith clearly intended here, as it appears from what follows. To make the meaning more evident, Macknight renders the sentence thus, — “Can this faith save him?” that is, the faith that has not works.
15If a brother, or, For if a brother. He takes an example from what was connected with his subject; for he had been exhorting them to exercise the duties of love. If any one, on the contrary, boasted that he was satisfied with faith without works, he compares this shadowy faith to the saying of one who bids a famished man to be filled without supplying him with the food of which he is destitute. As, then, he who sends away a poor man with words, and offers him no help, treats him with mockery, so they who devise for themselves faith without works, and without any of the duties of religion, trifle with God. (114)
(114) This is adduced as an illustration: as the saying of a man to the naked, “Be ye clothed,” when he does nothing, effects no good, is wholly useless, so is that faith that produces no works; it being as it were dead, it cannot save.
17Is dead, being alone. He says that faith is dead, being by itself, that is, when destitute of good works. We hence conclude that it is indeed no faith, for when dead, it does not properly retain the name. The Sophists plead this expression and say, that some sort of faith is found by itself; but this frivolous caviling is easily refuted; for it is sufficiently evident that the Apostle reasons from what is impossible, as Paul calls an angel anathema, if he attempted to subvert the gospel. (Gal 1:8.)
18Yea, a man may say. Erasmus introduces here two persons as speakers; one of whom boasts of faith without works, and the other of works without faith; and he thinks that both are at length confuted by the Apostle. But this view seems to me too forced. He thinks it strange, that this should be said by James, Thou hast faith, who acknowledges no faith without works. But in this he is much mistaken, that he does not acknowledge an irony in these words. Then ἀλλὰ I take for “nay rather;” and τὶς for “any one;” for the design of James was to expose the foolish boasting of those who imagined that they had faith when by their life they shewed that they were unbelievers; for he intimates that it would be easy for all the godly who led a holy life to strip hypocrites of that boasting with which they were inflated. (115)
Shew me. Though the more received reading is, “by works,” yet the old Latin is more suitable, and the reading is also found in some Greek copies. I therefore hesitated not to adopt it. Then he bids to shew faith without works, and thus reasons from what is impossible, to prove what does not exist. So he speaks ironically. But if any one prefers the other reading, it comes to the same thing, “Shew me by works thy faith;” for since it is not an idle thing, it must necessarily be proved by works. The meaning then is, “Unless thy faith brings forth fruits, I deny that thou hast any faith.” (116)
But it may be asked, whether the outward uprightness of life is a sure evidence of faith? For James says, “I will shew thee my faith by my works. ” To this I reply, that the unbelieving sometimes excel in specious virtues, and lead an honorable life free from every crime; and hence works apparently excellent may exist apart from faith. Nor indeed does James maintain that every one who seems good possesses faith. This only he means, that faith, without the evidence of good works, is vainly pretended, because fruit ever comes from the living root of a good tree.
(115) I would render the verse thus:
“But one may say, Thou hast faith, I also have works; shew me thy faith that is without works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
It is the same as though he had said, “Thou hast faith only, I have also works in addition to my faith; now, prove to me that you have true faith without having works connected with it, (which was impossible, hence he is called a ‘vain man,’ or empty-headed, in Jas 2:20,) and I will prove my faith by its fruits, even good works.
(116) Griesbach and others regard χωρὶς as the true reading, countenanced by most MSS., and found in the Syr. and Vulg.
This verse is a key to the meaning of James: faith is to be proved by works; then faith properly justifies and saves, and works prove its genuineness. When he says that a man is justified by works, the meaning according to this verse is, that a man is proved by his works to be justified, his faith thereby being shewn to be a living and not a dead faith. We may well be surprised, as Doddridge was, that any, taking a view of this whole passage, should ever think that there is any contrariety in what is here said to be the teaching of Paul. The doctrine of Paul, that man is justified by faith and not by works, that is, by a living faith, which works by love, is perfectly consistent with what James says, that is, that a man is not justified by a dead faith but by that faith which proves its living power by producing good works, or by rendering obedience to God. The sum of what James says is, that a dead faith cannot save, but a living faith, and that a living faith is a working faith — a doctrine taught by Paul as well as by James.
19Thou believest that there is one God. From this one sentence it appears evident that the whole dispute is not about faith, but of the common knowledge of God, which can no more connect man with God, than the sight of the sun carry him up to heaven; but it is certain that by faith we come nigh to God. Besides, it would be ridiculous were any one to say, that the devils have faith; and James prefers them in this respect to hypocrites. The devil trembles, he says, at the mention of God’s name, because when he acknowledges his own judge he is filled with the fear of him. He then who despises an acknowledged God is much worse.
Thou doest well, is put down for the purpose of extenuating, as though he had said, “It is, forsooth! a great thing to sink down below the devils.” (117)
(117) The design of alluding to the faith of devils seems to have been this, to shew that though a good man may believe and tremble, yet if he does not obey God and do good works, he has no true evidence of faith. Obedient faith is that which saves, and not merely that which makes us tremble. The connection with the preceding verse seems to be as follows, —
In the former verse the boaster of mere faith is challenged to prove that his faith is right and therefore saving; the challenger would prove by his works. Then, in this verse, a test is applied — the very first article of faith is mentioned: “Be it that you believe this, yet this faith will not save you: the devils have this faith, and instead of being saved they tremble.
20But wilt thou know. We must understand the state of the question, for the dispute here is not respecting the cause of justification, but only what avails a profession of faith without works, and what opinion we are to form of it. Absurdly then do they act who strive to prove by this passage that man is justified by works, because James meant no such thing, for the proofs which he subjoins refer to this declaration, that no faith, or only a dead faith, is without works. No one will ever understand what is said, nor judge wisely of words, except he who keeps in view the design of the writer.
21Was not Abraham. The Sophists lay hold on the word justified, and then they cry out as being victorious, that justification is partly by works. But we ought to seek out a right interpretation according to the general drift of the whole passage. We have already said that James does not speak here of the cause of justification, or of the manner how men obtain righteousness, and this is plain to every one; but that his object was only to shew that good works are always connected with faith; and, therefore, since he declares that Abraham was justified by works, he is speaking of the proof he gave of his justification.
When, therefore, the Sophists set up James against Paul, they go astray through the ambiguous meaning of a term. When Paul says that we are justified by faith, he means no other thing than that by faith we are counted righteous before God. But James has quite another thing in view, even to shew that he who professes that he has faith, must prove the reality of his faith by his works. Doubtless James did not mean to teach us here the ground on which our hope of salvation ought to rest; and it is this alone that Paul dwells upon. (118)
That we may not then fall into that false reasoning which has deceived the Sophists, we must take notice of the two fold meaning, of the word justified. Paul means by it the gratuitous imputation of righteousness before the tribunal of God; and James, the manifestation of righteousness by the conduct, and that before men, as we may gather from the preceding words, “Shew to me thy faith,” etc. In this sense we fully allow that man is justified by works, as when any one says that a man is enriched by the purchase of a large and valuable chest, because his riches, before hid, shut up in a chest, were thus made known.
(118) It is justly observed by Scott, that there is the same difficulty in reconciling James with himself as with Paul. And this difficulty at once vanishes, when we take a view of the whole passage, and not confine ourselves to single expressions.
22By works was faith made perfect (119) By this he again shews, that the question here is not respecting the cause of our salvation, but whether works necessarily accompany faith; for in this sense it is said to have been perfected by works, because it was not idle. It is said to have been perfected by works, not because it received thence its own perfection, but because it was thus proved to be true. For the futile distinction which the Sophists draw from these words, between formed and unformed faith, needs no labored refutation; for the faith of Abram was formed and therefore perfected before he sacrificed his son. And this work was not as it were the finishing, or last work. Formerly things afterwards followed by which Abraham proved the increase of his faith. Hence this was not the perfection of his faith, nor did it then for the first time put on its form. James then understood no other thing, than that the integrity of his faith then appeared, because it brought forth that remarkable fruit of obedience.
(119) The previous sentence is hardly intelligible in our version or in Calvin’s. “Seest thou how faith wrought (co-operated, by C.) with his works?” The verb is συνεργέω, which means properly to work together, to co-operate; and it means also, as the effect of co-operating, to aid, to help. “Seest thou how faith aided him in his works?” Schleusner gives this paraphrase, “Thou sees that Abraham was aided by his faith to do his remarkable works.” Beza’s version is, “Thou seest that faith was the assistant (administer) of his works.” Some give the idea of combining to co-operating, “Thou seest that faith co-operated with his works,” that is, in justification. It has been said, that if this combination had been intended, it ought to have been said that works co-operated with his faith, as faith, according to the testimony of scripture and the nature of things, is the primary and the principal thing, and as there can be no good works without faith. But the first explanation is the most consonant with the words and with the drift of the passage.
23And the Scripture was fulfilled. They who seek to prove from this passage of James that the works of Abraham were imputed for righteousness, must necessarily confess that Scripture is perverted by him; for however they may turn and twist, they can never make the effect to be its own cause. The passage is quoted from Moses. (Gen 15:6.) The imputation of righteousness which Moses mentions, preceded more than thirty years the work by which they would have Abraham to have been justified. Since faith was imputed to Abraham fifteen years before the birth of Isaac, this could not surely have been done through the work of sacrificing him. I consider that all those are bound fast by an indissoluble knot, who imagine that righteousness was imputed to Abraham before God, because he sacrificed his son Isaac, who was not yet born when the Holy Spirit declared that Abraham was justified. It hence necessarily follows that something posterior is pointed out here.
Why then does James say that it was fulfilled? Even because he intended to shew what sort of faith that was which justified Abraham; that is, that it was not idle or evanescent, but rendered him obedient to God, as also we find in Heb 11:8. The conclusion, which is immediately added, as it depends on this, has no other meaning. Man is not justified by faith alone, that is, by a bare and empty knowledge of God; he is justified by works, that is, his righteousness is known and proved by its fruits.
25Likewise also was not Rahab. It seems strange that he connected together those who were so unlike. Why did he not rather choose some one from so large a number of illustrious fathers, and join him to Abraham? Why did he prefer a harlot to all others? he designedly put together two persons so different in their character, in order more clearly to shew, that no one, whatever may have been his or her condition, nation, or class in society, has ever been counted righteous without good works. He had named the patriarch, by far the most eminent of all; he now includes under the person of a harlot, all those who, being aliens, were joined to the Church. Whosoever, then, seeks to be counted righteous, though he may even be among the lowest, must yet shew that he is such by good works.
James, according to his manner of speaking, declares that Rahab was justified by works; and the Sophists hence conclude that we obtain righteousness by the merits of works. But we deny that the dispute here is concerning the mode of obtaining righteousness. We, indeed, allow that good works are required for righteousness; we only take away from them the power of conferring righteousness, because they cannot stand before the tribunal of God. (120)
(120) The last verse is left unnoticed, —
Jas 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works (or, having no works) is dead.”
The meaning is not, that works are to faith what the spirit is to the body, for that would make works to be the life of faith, the reverse of the fact; but the meaning is, that faith having no works is like a dead carcass without life.
