James 2:7

They. Emphasis is placed upon this word in the Greek. It refers back to the “rich men” in v. 6. Is it not “they,” these very rich ones who blaspheme your Lord, to whom you are disposed to give preference?

Blaspheme. Obviously these rich blasphemers were either unbelieving Jews (see Acts 13:45) or heathen, for no Christian would “blaspheme” the name of Jesus Christ. It was obedience to Christ that made normal living so difficult in the first few centuries of the Christian Era.

Worthy. Gr. kalos, “beautiful,” “excellent,” “honorable.”

Name. Undoubtedly, the name of Christ, by which the disciples were known (see on Acts 11:26) and for which they suffered (see Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 4:14-16). The name of Christ is “worthy,” or “honorable,” for it reflects honor and imparts worth to those who bear it.

Which ye are called. A similar expression is found in Acts 15:17 in the speech of James (see Amos 9:12). James is saying that in view of these arrogant practices of “rich men” (v. 6) the rich visitor does not deserve the fawning partiality granted him when he visits the church. Church members are to show respect for the rich, but no more than the respect and consideration they show the poor.