James 2:21

Was. The Greek implies that James’s readers would readily agree with his statement.

Abraham our father. Both Jewish and Gentile Christians are spiritual descendants of Abraham (see on Rom. 4:10-12; Gal. 3:7-9, 29). To his appeal to logic (v. 19) James now adds an appeal to Scripture. Sincere church members could wish for nothing better than a faith like Abraham’s.

Justified. Gr. dikaioō, “to declare righteous” (see on Rom. 2:13; 3:28).

By works. Literally, “out of works.” James does not say that “works” alone will declare a sinner righteous. He is emphasizing that Abraham’s works proved the genuineness of that faith which God had declared righteous. Like Paul (see on Rom. 4:1—25; Heb. 11:4-39), James places faith at the core of justification and illustrates its vitality by citing the worthy deeds of justified men.

When. The occasion referred to is not the first instance in Abraham’s experience when God declared him righteous. That first experience occurred some years before the birth of Isaac, and is described in Rom. 4. Years later God tested Abraham’s faith by calling on him to offer up Isaac. As Abraham engaged in the “works” preparatory to the offering, he gave full proof of the genuineness of his faith.

Offered. See Gen. 22:5-13; Heb. 11:17.

Altar. Only Abraham’s unswerving confidence in the trustworthiness of God can account for this supreme act of obedience. His faith, as evidenced in his “works,” received again, as in the first instance of justification (see Gen. 15:6), the declaration of God’s approval (see Gen. 22:15-18).