James 2:18

Yea. Gr. alla, “but.” James here presents two hypothetical persons engaged in an argument, one speaker being “thou” and the other “I.” The former, apparently a Christian, claims to be saved by faith alone, and the latter, apparently a Jew, perhaps a Christian Jew, by his own works. James does not exactly share either point of view, but addresses his own challenge (in the latter part of the verse) to the man who argues for faith alone.

Shew. Gr. deiknumi, “to demonstrate,” “to give proof.” James, as it were, now enters the argument and exposes the fallacy of thinking that faith can exist apart from works.

Without. To show faith apart from works is an impossible task because faith, being a principle, an attitude of the mind, will always reveal its nature in outward behavior. But one who exhibits an absence of good works thereby also demonstrates a lack of genuine faith.

I will shew. Genuine faith will find expression in unselfish deeds, for it begets a desire to serve men. Thus it was Christ and thus it will be with all who follow His example.