Faith Online
james 2:1-17

Explore the Bible Online

James 2:1-17

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”

— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons. 2. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3. And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4. Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5. Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6. But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7. Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9. But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all. 11. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. 14. What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15. If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? 17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

James 2:1-17 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on James 2:1

Theological / Devotional

My brethren. See on James 1:2. This common phrase is especially suitable because of the stress here placed on the principle of equality. If church members keep themselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27), they will carefully avoid discriminating between fellow believers because of wealth or poverty.

Have not. The context suggests that there had been favoritism in the church toward the “rich.” The apostle’s counsel was therefore directed to an immediate problem in local churches.

Faith of our Lord. The Greek may mean either “our Lord’s faith” or “faith in our Lord.” Here, the context implies that the latter is intended (see on Mark 11:22; Eph. 3:12).

Glory. Literally, “the glory” (cf. 1 Cor. 2:8). Our Lord Jesus possesses all the prerogatives of Deity (see Vol. V, p. 919). He is the “King of glory” (Ps. 24:7). In proper perspective, even the richest of men is poor compared with the saint who shares the inheritance of the Lord of “glory” (see on Rom. 8:17).

Respect of persons. Gr. prosopolepsiai, “acts of partiality” (see on Rom. 2:11). In keeping themselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27) church members must be careful lest riches and worldly position are made qualifications for church office, in place of the needed spiritual graces.

By SdaBc

A little insight, only with your permission.

Optional Google Analytics cookies help us understand visits to public pages. Accept or decline—you can change your choice in Cookie settings in the footer. How Google uses data (opens in a new tab)