James 2:1-7

Chapter 2. Faith Without Works Is Dead.

The Fact That Faith Without Relevant Action Is Dead Is Illustrated (James 2:1). It Will Be Brought Into Judgment (James 2:8,) And The Case Is Argued Scripturally (James 2:14).

The passage is split up into three sections, commencing with an example of so-called believers revealing the falsity of their faith by showing partiality to the rich, continuing with an examination of why this is wrong having judgment in view, and finalising with the arguing of the case from Scripture.

Faith Without Works Illustrated In Action In The Treatment Of The Rich As Compared With The Poor In The Assembly (James 2:1).

a My brothers, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, with respect of persons (James 2:1).

b For if there come into your synagogue (assembly) a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing, and you have regard to him who wears the fine clothing, and say, “You sit here in a good place” (James 2:2 a).

c And you say to the poor man, You stand there, or sit under my footstool. Do you not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:3).

d Listen, my beloved brothers, did not God choose those who are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingly Rule which He promised to those who love him? (James 2:5).

c But you have dishonoured the poor man (James 2:6 a).

b Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats? (James 2:6 b).

a Do they not blaspheme the honourable name by which you are called? (James 2:7).

Note that in ‘a' emphasis is on Whom their faith is about, and in the parallel they are warned not to blaspheme His honourable Name. In ‘b' the rich man is honoured, and in the parallel James reminds his readers that it is the same rich who oppress them. In ‘c' the treatment of the poor is described, and in the parallel we have the indication that they have thereby dishonoured the poor man. Centrally in ‘d' the true status of the poor in God's eyes is revealed. They are rich in faith (the faith of our Lord, Jesus Christ) and heirs of the Kingly Rule of God.