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James Chapter
Two
I.
Content of the Chapter
One of the Trials of Christians’ Faith: the
Necessity of Having Works of Love
A. Love does not show respect of persons
(v.1-7);
1. Respect of persons is not work of faith
(v.1);
2. Favouritism because of economic conditions
is partiality (v.2-4);
3. Favouritism because of economic conditions
goes against the principles of faith and love (v.5-7);
B. Respect of persons is unlawful (v.8-13);
1. Respect of persons goes against the royal
law of “loving one’s neighbor as oneself” (v.8-9).
2. If one stumbles in one point
he is guilty
of all (v.10-11).
3. Respect of persons is unmerciful
and shall
be judged without mercy (v.12-13).
C. If one lacks love to his brethren
his faith
is dead (v.14-20);
1. Faith without works cannot save men (v.14).
2. Faith without works cannot help men
(v.15-16).
3. Faith without works is dead (v.17-20).
D. True faith works together with works
(v.21-26);
1. The faith of Abraham is made perfect by the
works of offering Isaac (v.21-24).
2. Rahab was justified by receiving the messengers
(v.25).
3. Faith and works are just like body and
spirit (v.26).
II.
Verse by Verse Commentary
James. 2:1
“My brethren
do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
the Lord of
glory
with partiality.”
YLT: “My brethren
hold not
in
respect of persons
the faith of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ
”
Meaning of Words:
“hold the faith”:
believe in
have faith in; “glory”: honor
dignity; “partiality”: respect of persons
favoritism;
Literal Meaning:
“my brethren
hold the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ
the Lord of glory”
“my brethren” refer to brothers and sisters in the Lord;
“hold the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ”
it shows that the receiver of this
book is Christians
not Jews; “Lord Jesus Christ
the Lord of glory”
it
suggests: 1) only the Lord Himself is glorious
and no one is worthy of such
glory except for Him; 2) since the Lord we hold the faith of is glory
no
matter rich or poor we are
we have the same honorable identity with the Lord.
“Not…with partiality”
“not”
it shows
that the partiality is not allowed
for it goes against our faith. “With
partiality”: respect of persons
which means treating men differently according
to their countenance and apparel.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) What Christians have faith in is the Lord of
glory
not a system of theological doctrines.
2) Believers of the Lord shall have brand new
views and attitudes toward men instead of following the old views or doings.
3) True faith will produce the corresponding
works in our daily life and ways of getting along with people.
4) In the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ
there
is no distinction of class
background
education or education. The Scriptures
teach us not only liberty and peace and equity and cooperation but also respect
for human rights (see Gal. 3:28-29; Rom. 1:14).
5) Estrangement should not be caused because of
the difference of social status. In the church
if we discern our spiritual
condition and position according to appearance
we have gone against our faith.
Every one shall pay attention to this point.
6) The Bible expositor said
“Partiality goes
against the nature of faith. In other words
it runs counter to the truth we
believe”.
James. 2:2 “For if there should come
into your assembly a man with gold rings
in fine apparel
and there should
also come in a poor man in filthy clothes
”
YLT:
“for if there may come into your synagogue a man with gold ring
in gay
raiment
and there may come in also a poor man in vile raiment
”
Meaning
of Words: “come”: enter into;
“apparel”: clothing
dress; “assembly”: place for gathering; “filthy”: shabby
cheap
wicked
vile;
The Background: “a man with gold rings”
at that time
wearing a
gold ring was a kind of fashion to show off wealth. Many people wore a ring on
each finger and even more than one ring on one finger to flaunt his riches. The
godfather had exhorted Christians to not follow such shabby custom. If one
really desired to wear a ring
he could only wear on “the little finger”.
Literal
Meaning: “for if there should…a man with gold rings
in fine apparel”
“if”
it is a suppositive example to explain the respect of
persons (see v.1); “with gold rings”
in the ancient times
man’s social status
was often measured by the ring he wore. “Fine apparel”: the wealthy and
sparking clothing. In a word
“with gold rings
in fine apparel” shows that
such man was out of a rich family.
“Come into your assembly”
“your”: that of the Jewish believers; “your
assembly”: the early church often borrowed the synagogues of the Jews for
gatherings (see Acts 18:26; 19:8).
“And there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes”
“filthy
clothes”
the old robes that were seldom changed; those who wore such shabby
clothes were regarded as men out of poor families.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Faith does not respect persons. The door of
the church opens for all. Anyone one can come in without distinction (Luke
14:23).
2) The apparent apparel cannot represent one’s
inner character. Man looks on the outward appearance
but Jehovah looks on the
heart (1Sam. 16:7).
3) We have freedom to choose our apparel in the
church
but it should be neat and decent rather than “excessively” splendid or
filthy to avoid unnecessary watching of others.
James. 2:3 “and you pay attention to
the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him
"You sit here in a good
place
" and say to the poor man
"You stand there
" or
"Sit here at my footstool
"”
YLT:
“and ye may look upon him bearing the gay raiment
and may say to him
`Thou --
sit thou here well
' and to the poor man may say
`Thou -- stand thou there
or
Sit thou here under my footstool
' --”
Meaning
of Words: “pay
attention to”: gaze at
look
upon
regard; “fine”: bright
clear
goodly;
Literal
Meaning: “and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes
and say to him”
“pay attention to”
according to the original
it
is a kind of special sight or “looking upon”; “the one wearing the find
clothes”
it not only refers to the social status but is also in allusion to
the spiritual status in the church: a) the acknowledged status in the church; b)
the theological or biblical knowledge; c) the accomplishment and effect of
service; d) gifts and performances etc.
“You sit here in a good place”
“good place”: the place nearest to the place
where sacrifices were offered in the synagogue
which was regarded as “the best
place” equal to the special box today.
“And say to the poor man
"You stand there
" or
"Sit here at my footstool"”
“there” relates to the place far from the place where sacrifices were offered;
“footstool”: a kind of low stone stool; “my footstool”
it suggested that this
man had not only a seat but also a footstool
which showed that he was at least
at the middle and upper class. “Sit here at my footstool”: sit on the ground;
when he treated a poor man
he asked him to stand afar or sit on the floor
instead of even the stool.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Those who are in charge of reception in the
church have to regard the brethren who come to the church as equals.
2) There should be of no distinction between
good and bad seats in an ideal place for gathering. All the seats should be the
same without any “good seat” for some special saint or guest of honor.
3) Among the common believers
there should be
of no concept of distinction between “this” and “that” or “upper” or “lower”.
It is proper to sit according to the order of arrival and start from the
forefront and innermost seat.
James. 2:4 “have you not shown
partiality among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?”
YLT:
“ye did not judge fully in yourselves
and did become ill-reasoning judges.”
Meaning
of Words: “partiality”: favoritism; “evil thoughts”: wicked thoughts
grievous thoughts; “judge”: the one that makes judgment;
Literal
Meaning: “have you not shown partiality among yourselves”
“partiality”: treat
believers in various classes with distinction;
“And become judges with evil thoughts?” It is out of evil thoughts of dividing
believers into different classes. The reasons for the “evil” are as follows: a)
discrimination against the poor
which is totally opposite to the will of God
(see v.5); b) flattering the rich
which is inconsistent with the reward that
the rich are worthy of (see v.6-7); c) “love your neighbor as yourself” (see
v.8).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Men before God have the only difference
between “believe” and “not believe”. All believers are equal
and we shall
never treat one another with partiality.
2) The thought is “evil” if it goes against the
will of God. Let the mind of Christ Jesus be in us when we treat others
(Phil.2:5).
James. 2:5 “Listen
my beloved
brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and
heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”
YLT:
“Hearken
my brethren beloved
did not God choose the poor of this world
rich
in faith
and heirs of the reign that He promised to those loving Him?”
Meaning
of Words: “choose”: select; “faith”: belief; “heir”: inheritor
successor;
Literal
Meaning: “listen
my beloved brethren”
“listen”
it indicates that the following
words are rather important and we have to pay attention to it.
“Has God not chosen the poor of this world”
“the poor of the
world”
though they have not got the pleasures of the world
God pleases to let
them have opportunities of compensation in other aspects.
“To be rich in faith”
“be rich in faith”: the possessor of rich
faith ---- this is God’s present compensation to the poor in this world. Though
the poor lack physical enjoyment
they are able to obtain spiritual enjoyment
by faith.
“And heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who
love Him?” “The kingdom which
He promised to….”
it is the coming compensation of God to the poor; “heirs of
the kingdom”: the reward of glory in the
Note that this verse does not mean that all
the poor will automatically obtain the rich spiritual enjoyment in this world
and the enjoyment of God’s kingdom in the coming world. The former enjoyment is
obtained on the premise of “faith”
and the latter enjoyment is received on the
premise of “love”. This verse shows that God especially deals abundantly with
the poor to make them rely on God and love God more easily so as to let them
enter into that higher realm. It is like the old Chinese saying
“what you lose
on the swings you get back on the roundabouts”.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) If we have respect of persons
we just
despise what God looks upon and fail to honor the will of God on men.
2) All those who are rich in faith must love
both God and men
for faith works through love (Gal. 5:6).
3) Faith enables us to lead a life abundant in
spirit. And love enables us to inherit the coming
James. 2:6 “But you have dishonored
the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?”
YLT:
“and ye did dishonour the poor one; do not the rich oppress you and themselves
draw you to judgment-seats;”
Meaning
of Words: “dishonored”: despised
dishonored; “oppress”: exercise
dominion against; “court”: tribunal
judgment seat;
Literal
Meaning: “but you have dishonored the poor man”
“but”
it shows that your works are
unworthy of God’s election (see v.5);
“Do not the rich oppress you”
“oppress you”: take advantage of one’s power
to bully people and treat them unfairly;
“And drag you into the courts?” It refers to the accusation in the court. Such
lawsuit is supposed to not be done by Christians (see 1Cor. 6:1-8). However
in
fact
if a Christians looks on the external more than the internal
and
material more than spirit
and letter more than reality
he will accuse
brothers in public with an excuse.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) God is a God who looks after and protects
and provides the poor (Job 5:15-16; 69:33; 72:12-13; Ps. 113:7). Let the mind
of God our Father in us so as to enable us to take care of the poor
especially
the poor believers in the Lord.
2) He who thinks he is spiritual rich tends to
despise other believers unconsciously and even deprives them of honor and right
and enjoyment. This is a kind of humiliation and oppression.
3) Anyway
Christians should not accuse other
believers. Do not avenge yourselves but give place to wrath (
James. 2:7 “Do they not blaspheme
that noble name by which you are called?”
YLT:
“do they not themselves speak evil of the good name that was called upon you?”
Meaning
of Words: “blaspheme”: malign
revile; “noble”: goodly
well;
Literal
Meaning: “they”: the rich (see v.6); there are two
meanings of “blaspheme”: a) blaspheme with words; 2) insult with works; here
if it speaks of the rich Christians who do not look on the poor (see v.15-16;
1:27)
they have humiliated the name of the Lord.
Note that many Bible expositors think here the rich in verses six and
seven refer to “the false brothers who came in surreptitiously” (Gal. 2:4)
and
only they were possible to have such “non-Christian” works. However
in the
present Christianity
many “real Christians” have unconsciously made such
mistakes so that the name of “Christ” is criticized.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Believers who do not keep the teachings of
the Lord and disobey His will deliberately have fallen short of the glory of
God and humiliated the name of the Lord. Therefore
we have to be careful in
dealing with things concerning other people and not do according to our own
pleasures.
2) Every time when we Christians mention the
name of the Lord
we shall be sincere and fearful rather than calling Him
lightly or rashly. Otherwise
we should apparently uphold the name of the Lord
and yet humiliate His name in fact.
James. 2:8 “If you really fulfill the
royal law according to the Scripture
"You shall love your neighbor as
yourself
" you do well;”
YLT:
“If
indeed
royal law ye complete
according to the Writing
`Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself
' -- ye do well;”
Meaning
of Words: “neighbor”: fellow; “fulfill”: be full
perfect
accomplish; “royal”: king’s
noble
preeminent;
Literal
Meaning: “according to the Scripture
"You shall love your
neighbor as yourself"
“according to the Scripture”
it is quoted from the Book of Leviticus
(19:18). “Neighbor” refers to fellow
namely
the people of God or believers
especially the brethren with whom we are often in contact.
“If you
really fulfill the royal law …you do well”
“if you really keep”: “truly keep”; “the
royal law”
according to the context
it apparently refers to the commandment
of “loving your neighbor as yourself”
which includes all the laws (Gal. 5:14;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) To Christians
the commandment of “loving
your neighbor as yourself” is “loving one
another” (John 13:34-35)
because brothers and sisters are our real
“neighbors”.
2) “Love your neighbor as yourself”
it is the noblest law
for it is the
noblest expression out of the noblest bosom. And it is respectable in the eyes
of both God and men.
3) Everything that we have done for the sake of
loving God and men are the noblest thing and the best work.
James. 2:9 “but if you show
partiality
you commit sin
and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”
YLT:
“and if ye accept persons
sin ye do work
being convicted by the law as
transgressors;”
Meaning
of Words: “partiality”: respect of persons
favoritism; “sin”: miss the mark; “transgressors”: violator
breaker;
Literal
Meaning: “but if you show partiality”
“but” denies
the above-mentioned “do well” (see v.8). “if you show partiality”
it is the
reason why it is “not done well”. Favoritism fails to “keep the royal law”
so
it is not done well.
“You commit sin
and are convinced by the
law as transgressors”
“sin”: depart from the will of God; “transgressors”: who
overstep the realm of God and thus be judged by God as transgressors.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) If we do not love a man because he is a
“man”
but are affected by his riches (see v.2-4) and appearance
we have
committed sin and transgressed the law.
2) Any reason ---- physical relations
apparel
nations
races
languages
regions or social statuses etc. ---- in the church
can not make us show partiality to one side and despise the other
because such
actions are “sins” and “transgressions”.
James. 2:10 “For whoever shall keep
the whole law
and yet stumble in one point
he is guilty of all.”
YLT:
“for whoever the whole law shall keep
and shall stumble in one
he hath
become guilty of all;”
Meaning
of Words: “keep”: hold fast
preserve
watch; “whole”:
all
altogether; “stumble”:
offend
fall
trip; “guilty”:
in danger of
subject to
liable to;
Literal
Meaning: “for whoever shall keep the whole law”
“for”
it indicates
that the following words are the reasons why “men are convicted by the law as transgressors” (see v.9).
“And yet stumble in one point”
“one point”
here it especially refers to
the royal law of “loving one’s neighbor as himself” (see v.8); “stumble”:
offense against the laws; if we show partiality (see v.9)
we have transgressed
the law of “loving one’s neighbor as himself”.
“He is guilty of all”
here it emphasizes the “integrity” of law. Once
one has offended a topical point
he has transgressed the whole law. The law is
like an interlocked iron chain. If any ring therein is destroyed
the whole
chain is destroyed. Another example is that if any member of a man is
destroyed
the whole body of him is destroyed.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) In fact
the laws of the Old Scriptures cannot
be all “kept”. Therefore
anyone who claims that believers in the New Testament
should also keep the laws in the Old Scriptures (e.g. “the Sabbath”) are
throwing themselves into snares and are debtors to do the whole law (Gal.
6:15).
2) Believers in the New Testament fulfill the
requirements of the law in Christ. When the life of Christ is manifested
through us
the law of Christ is fulfilled (Gal. 6:2). Therefore
neither is
keeping the external law anything
nor not keeping it
but new creation (Gal. 6:15).
3) Some preachers who think they are superior
to others divide the biblical teachings into two sorts: “superior teachings”
and “inferior teachings”. However
they have unconsciously encouraged their
followers to pay attention to the so-called “superior” teachings and yet
despise the “inferior teachings” without knowing that they have been against
God.
James. 2:11 “For He who said
"Do
not commit adultery
" also said
"Do not murder." Now if you do
not commit adultery
but you do murder
you have become a transgressor of the
law.”
YLT:
“for He who is saying
`Thou mayest not commit adultery
' said also
`Thou
mayest do no murder;' and if thou shalt not commit adultery
and shalt commit
murder
thou hast become a transgressor of law;”
Meaning
of Words: “adultery”: unlawful sexual activity;
Literal
Meaning: “for He who said
"Do not commit adultery
" also
said
"Do not murder."”
“He who said … also said”
refers to God. Here it means that God gives
the law and the whole law belongs to Him. Anyone who goes against the law of
God goes against God. And man who offends any law of God has offended God ----
who is the creator of the law.
“Do not
commit adultery”
this is the
seventh commandment among the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament (Ex. 20:14;
Deut. 5:18). “Adultery”: sexual activity outside of marriage; “Do not murder”: it is the sixth commandment (Ex. 20:13;
Deut. 5:17).
“Now if you do not commit adultery
but you do murder
you
have become a transgressor of the law”
both the commandments of “adultery” and “murder” are mentioned together. If
either is offended
the whole law is offended.
Some Bible expositors believe it is of deep
meaning that James here especially mentions “murdering”
for the Lord Jesus had
said “every one that is lightly angry with his brother shall be subject to the judgment” (see Matt.
5:21-22). Though there is no the fact of murdering
there is the reality of
hatred. Likewise
if we are partial to brothers
we have also offended the
command of “not murdering”.
James. 2:12 “So speak and so do as
those who will be judged by the law of liberty.”
YLT:
“so speak ye and so do
as about by a law of liberty to be judged
”
Meaning
of Words: “liberty”:
freedom;
Literal
Meaning: “as those who will be judged by the law of liberty”
“the law of liberty”
the main purpose of the law is leading men to
Christ (Gal. 3:24). However
Christ has set men free in liberty (Gal. 5:1).
Therefore
the purpose of the law was not bondage
but freedom (see 1:25)
so
it is called “the law of liberty”. “Be judged”: the judgment of us before
judgment-seat of Christ (2Cor. 5:10).
“So
speak and so do”
it indicates that
Christians shall speak and walk according to “the law of Christ” (1Cor. 9:21;
Gal. 6:2).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Believers in the New Testament enjoy the
liberty in Christ (see Luke 4:18; John 8:32
36; Rom. 8:21; 2Cor. 3:17).
However
the liberty is not for an occasion to the flesh (Gal. 5:13)
but for
the free manifestation of Christ’s life in our daily life through the Spirit (
2) Christians shall also be manifested before
the judgment-seat of the Christ according to what we have done (2Cor. 5:10;
1Pet. 4:17). Therefore
let us beware of our words and works today.
3) He who honors the rich and yet despises the
poor speaks and acts according to the judgment of the law in their heart.
However
in what way we judge others now
in the same way will we be judged in
the future.
4) All Christians shall yield fruit of love in
thoughts and words and life and walking
for we are in Christ and have received
the fruit borne by his law of liberty.
James. 2:13 “For judgment is without
mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
YLT:
“for the judgment without kindness to him not having done kindness
and exult
doth kindness over judgment.”
Meaning
of Words: “mercy”: be merciful;
“triumph”: boast against
rejoice against
exalt against;
Literal
Meaning: “for judgment is without mercy to the one
who has shown no mercy”
it is the precondition for us to obtain the mercy of
God is to show mercy to others (see Matt. 5:7; 6:14-15; 7:1-2; Mark 11:25; Luke
6:37-38). To those who are unwilling to show mercy to others
God will not be
merciful to them (see Matt. 18:32-34).
“Mercy
triumphs over judgment”
“mercy”
it is a
state of mind of showing sympathy for those who are unworthy. “Triumph over
judgment”
a kind of bold confidence and attitude in the face of judgment;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Since we have obtained mercy from God
we
have to reveal such mercy to those who are around us so that the mercy of God
is manifested.
2) If we desire our gracious Lord to forgive
all our transgressions and faults in the past in mercy
we have to treat our
brothers and sisters with mercy.
James. 2:14 “What does it profit
my
brethren
if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save
him?”
YLT:
“What the profit
my brethren
if faith
any one may speak of having
and works
he may not have? is that faith able to save him?”
Meaning
of Words: “profit”: good
gain;
Literal
Meaning: “my brethren
if someone says he has faith”
“someone”: those who think they are believers of Christ; “if someone says”: it
imitates the dispute of the opponents; “he has faith”
who thinks he believes
the only true God (see v.19);
“What does it profit?...But does not have works? Can faith save him?”
“Works” here refer to the works worthy of faith; “what does it profit? Can
faith save him?” ---- In the original
it is obviously not asking a question
but suggesting that “there is definitely no profit” and “such faith can save
him in no wise”.
“Can faith save him?” There are at least two meanings of the word “save”
here: a) judgment without mercy (see v.13); 2) justification by God and
salvation of soul (see v.21-26). Both of them need the faith with works.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) If our faith is without works
it is
unprofitable to us and others. True faith will be manifested in works. And
faith without works is merely nominal faith.
2) It is indeed recorded in the Scripture that
“for with heart is believed to righteousness
and with mouth confession made to
salvation” (Rom. 10:10). However
the real faith that justifies and saves us
will yield the works of faith and obedience.
3) There are three kinds of faith that cannot
save us: a) the faith of the demons (see v.19); b) the faith that has not root
in man’s heart (Matt. 13:20-21); c) the faith of adoring miracles (John
2:23-25).
James. 2:15 “If a brother or sister is
naked and destitute of daily food
”
YLT:
“and if a brother or sister may be naked
and may be destitute of the daily
food
”
Meaning
of Words: “naked”: nude; “destitute”: lacking; “daily”: diurnal
for a day;
Literal
Meaning: “if a brother or sister is naked”
“brother
or sister” refers to believers in the Lord around us
namely
the “neighbor”
whom we shall love; “naked”
it is not in the nude physically
but describes
the one who is too impoverished to have enough clothes to defend against the
cold.
“And destitute of daily food”: live beyond one’s income and even have
problem in the three meals;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) True faith will produce love (Gal. 5:6).
True love will love brothers and sisters begotten by God (1John 5:1).
2) Whoever has this
world’s goods
and sees his brother in need
and shuts up his heart from him
how does the love of God abide in him? (1John 3:17)?
3) Apparently
some Christians have great love
and generously support the distant poor men whom they do not know
but they are
indifferent to brothers and sisters who are destitute. Such love runs counter
to the order in the Scriptures that from near to afar.
James. 2:16 “and one of you says to
them
"Depart in peace
be warmed and filled
" but you do not give
them the things which are needed for the body
what does it profit?”
YLT:
“and any one of you may say to them
`Depart ye in peace
be warmed
and be
filled
' and may not give to them the things needful for the body
what the
profit?”
Meaning
of Words: “depart”: leave
go
away;
Literal
Meaning: “and one of you says to them”
“of you”: of
the church;
“Depart in peace
be warmed and filled”
“depart in peace”: it is an
idiom used among the Jews in farewell. And it is profitable in a true heart
(see Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50). “Be warmed and filled”
it is a word of blessing
which suggests that the speaker does not intend to help and yet shuffles off
responsibility onto others and thus the needy one has to still seek provision
by himself. In a word
this verse means that such “solicitude” is merely a vain
word by mouth.
“But you do not give them the things which are needed for the body
what
does it priofit”? ---- It indicates that such gracious words without practice
profit nothing for the needy one and also displease the Lord.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Real solicitude shall be proved by practical
activities. If we really care for others
we will try to stretch out our hands
to help them resolve the difficulty.
2) The words of Christians ---- oral
confessions
prayers and testimonies and mutual exhortations ---- are indeed
important. However
if the actions are not in keeping with our words
it will
be under the judgment of the Lord (Matt. 23:3).
James. 2:17 “Thus also faith by
itself
if it does not have works
is dead.”
YLT:
“so also the faith
if it may not have works
is dead by itself.”
Literal
Meaning: “thus”
it is after the example of verse 15
and 16. If there are only oral words without any actions of help
it profits
nothing. Likewise
faith without any works is also vain.
“Faith
by itself
if it does not have works
is dead”
“have”
it is a powerful word in the original
which means “holding the right of possession”. Works belong to faith and are
possessed by faith. It is in no wise a dispensable adjunct.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Faith is living and will be manifested in works.
Otherwise
it is dead faith
not real.
2) Dead faith is no vain faith. No one can be
saved (see v.14) by faith mere in word and tongue without deed and truth (see
v.15-16; 1John 3:18).
3) Faith and works are the both sides of one
coin ---- works are the proof of faith as well as the fruit of faith.
James. 2:18 “But someone will say
"You have faith
and I have works." Show me your faith without your
works
and I will show you my faith by my works.”
YLT:
“But say may some one
Thou hast faith
and I have works
shew me thy faith out
of thy works
and I will shew thee out of my works my faith:”
Meaning
of Words: “show”: prove
point
out;
Literal
Meaning: “someone will say”
this was a term that the
ancient Jews and Greeks often used in the simulated debate to raise a contrast
view of a suppositional opponent.
“You have faith
and I have works”
here faith is separated from works.
“You” focuses on faith
and “I” focuses on works. It points that both of them
have their merits and are not contradictory
so faith does not need works and
works either. Such theory that faith can be separated from works seems to be in
keeping with the apostle Paul’s teaching that “there are distinctions of gifts”
(1Cor. 12:4
9) ---- and to a different one faith
in the same Spirit; and to
another gifts of healing in the same Spirit ---- actually
it misunderstands
faith. True faith cannot leave works and works either.
“Show me your faith without your works”
“your”: that of those who think
faith does not need works; “faith without … works”: the faith that cannot be
proved by works; “show me”
this is James’ challenge to those who maintain
faith can be separated from works ---- since there are no works to show faith
such faith is vain.
“And I will show you my faith by my works”
“I” here refers to James who
have the works of faith; “my works”: the works of faith; “show you”
the works
of faith do manifest the faith.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Works and faith are the two sides of one
coin that cannot be separated. The works of Christians must be done by faith.
And true faith will also yield works.
2) Someone pays attentions to the appearances
and ceremonies and shows off his works before men. Therefore
it is sound
faith
but false and unsound.
James. 2:19 “You believe that there is
one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!”
YLT:
“thou -- thou dost believe that God is one; thou dost well
and the demons
believe
and they shudder!”
Meaning
of Words: “well”: god
honest; “demon”: devil; “tremble”: shudder
chill
bristle;
Literal
Meaning: “you believe that there is one God. You do well”
“there is one God”
this is sound faith;
“you do well”
it is right to believe in the only true God. Besides
Christianity
Catholicism Judaism
Islam
there are some other unknown
religions that believe that
there is one true God. But such faith is imperfect
for man has to know
and believe God’s salvation in His Son Jesus Christ.
“Even the demons believe--and tremble!” “Demons”: the evil and unclean devils under
the hand of Satan; “the demons believe”
it indicates that the demons also
believe the only true God in the universe
but do not obey the authority of God
(see Matt. 8:29; Mark 1:24; 5:7; Luke 8:28). “And tremble”
the fear of God
because the demons know the omnipotence of God and God will execute judgment
upon them
but they are still disobedient to God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Faith is not intellectual recognition
nor
emotional identification
but spiritual conversion accompanied by works worthy
of such faith
namely
the trust in and devote to and obedience to God.
2) Our true faith is not only fear of God but
also works of our obedience to God.
James. 2:20 “But do you want to know
O foolish man
that faith without works is dead?”
YLT:
“And dost thou wish to know
O vain man
that the faith apart from the works is
dead?”
Meaning
of Words: “foolish”: vain
empty; “dead”: inoperative;
Literal
Meaning: “o foolish man”
the fool who is arrogant
and stubborn with merely a sketchy knowledge.
“Do you want to know that faith without works is dead?” “Do you want to
know”? “Faith without works is dead”
faith without works is inoperative.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) He who confesses he has faith but manifests
no works of faith is a foolish Christian
just like a walking corpse without
life.
2) There is operative and inoperative faith.
The former is accompanied by works
and yet the latter has no works.
James. 2:21 “Was not Abraham our
father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?”
YLT:
“Abraham our father -- was not he declared righteous out of works
having
brought up Isaac his son upon the altar?”
Meaning
of Words: “altar”: the place where the sacrifices are
offered; “justified”: justification
count as sinless;
Literal
Meaning: “Abraham our Father …when he offered Isaac
his son on the altar”
“Abraham our Father”: the father of the Jews; the Jews
were proud to be the descendants of Abraham (Matt. 3:9; John 8:33); “Abraham
offered Isaac his son on the altar”
such work was because of the faith that
God would raise Isaac up again (see Heb. 11:19; Rom. 4:17).
“Justified by works”
Abraham was approved
and justified by God because of his offering Isaac (Gen. 22:16); “justified”:
be counted as sinless and righteous by God;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Our faith toward God is not oral word only
but the reality of believing in Him to a degree of sacrificing at all costs in
order to keep His word.
2) Everything we have done to God by faith is
recorded to His account. And God respects such men.
James. 2:22 “Do you see that faith was
working together with his works
and by works faith was made perfect?”
YLT:
“dost thou see that the faith was working with his works
and out of the works
the faith was perfected?”
Meaning
of Words: “working together”:
cooperating
help with; “be made perfect”: complete
consummate
finish
accomplish;
Literal
Meaning: “see that faith was working together with
his works”
“working together”: supplement each other; faith and works cannot
exist independently
but shall cooperate with one another.
“And by works faith was made perfect”
“made perfect”: faith shall be
made perfect by its works and thus fulfill its purpose.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Faith without works is dead (see v.17
20)
and works without faith are also dead (see Heb. 6:1). Faith and works exist
simultaneously.
2) True faith will yield the fruit of good
works
and good works should be out of true faith. Faith cannot be separated
from works and even runs parallel to works.
3) Faith is the motive power of works
and
works are the product of faith. Faith accompanied by works is true and perfect
faith.
4) He who has faith must manifest the effect of
his faith in his works. Faith lacking in works cannot be regarded as perfect
faith.
James. 2:23 “And the Scripture was
fulfilled which says
"Abraham believed God
and it was accounted to him
for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.”
YLT:
“and fulfilled was the Writing that is saying
`And Abraham did believe God
and it was reckoned to him -- to righteousness;' and
`Friend of God' he was
called.”
Meaning
of Words: “fulfilled”: be filled
be complete; “was accounted”: be reckoned
take an inventory;
Literal
Meaning: “the Scripture was fulfilled which says”
the following words are quoted from the
Book of Genesis (15:6).
“Abraham
believed God
and it was accounted to him for righteousness."” God records the faith of Abraham to His
account and regards it as his righteousness.
“And he was called the
friend of God”
“friend”: friends
are able to have deep communication with one another. God does not hide from
Abraham what He is doing (Gen. 18:17-19)
so Abraham is also called “the friend
of God” (see 2Chr. 20:7; Is. 41:8).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Faith toward God is respect for God. He who
honors God will also be honored by God.
2) The faith and obedience once make man
justified by God. And the continual faith with works makes man become the
friend of God.
James. 2:24 “You see then that a man
is justified by works
and not by faith only.”
YLT:
“Ye see
then
that out of works is man declared righteous
and not out of
faith only;”
Meaning
of Words: “see then”: see
therefore
accordingly; “only”: merely;
Literal
Meaning: “see then that”
enable you mind to gain new knowledge
indicating understanding;
“A man is justified by works”
“works” done by faith;
“And not by faith only”
here it shows that James does not oppose
“justification by faith”. In his point of view
faith is still the main reason
for justification and this justified faith shall then produce works.
Controversial Clarification: “a man is justified by works”
it is not contradictory to Paul’s word ---- “man
is justified by faith
not works” (Rom. 3:28; 4:2-4) ---- for the reasons as
below:
1) Paul emphasizes the positional justification
that saves man
and James emphasizes the justification in experience that makes
man overcome.
2) Paul speaks of the faith when one is saved
and James speaks of the faith after one is saved.
3) Paul deals with the works with no faith
and
James deals with the faith without works.
4) Though Paul emphasizes that we are saved by
faith instead of works
he still confesses that the purpose of salvation is
“doing good works which God has prepared that we should walk in them” (see Eph.
2:8-10). Therefore
he still believes that believers shall have good works
after they are saved (see Phil. 2:13-14).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Clear understanding of the truth in the
Scriptures ---- justification and salvation ---- is on account of faith.
2) “Not faith only”
our faith should be true
and then right works shall prove its power and effect.
James. 2:25 “Likewise
was not Rahab
the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent
them out another way?”
YLT:
“and in like manner also Rahab the harlot -- was she not out of works declared
righteous
having received the messengers
and by another way having sent
forth?”
Meaning
of Words: “receive”: admit
under one’s roof
entertain hospitably;
Literal
Meaning: “Rahab the harlot … received the
messengers”
the harlot Rahab in
“And sent them out another way”
she let them down by a cord through the
window and asked them to hide themselves three days (Jos. 2:15-16).
“Was not … also justified by works?” She and her father’s household were
saved (Jos. 6:25)
which proved that her good works to the
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Abraham (see v.21-23) was a noble prince
(see Gen. 17:5-6; 23:6)
and Rahab was a low harlot. And both of them were
justified by works. Therefore
no matter of noble birth or of humble birth
all
men are equal to obtain faith
and God’s requirement for justification is fair.
2) Abraham is a Jew (see v
James. 2:26 “For as the body without
the spirit is dead
so faith without works is dead also.”
YLT:
“for as the body apart from the spirit is dead
so also the faith apart from
the works is dead.”
Meaning
of Words: “spirit”:
breath;
Literal
Meaning: “as the body without the spirit is dead”
once the spirit leaves one’s body
he has become a dead person
and the body
has thus become corpse.
“So faith without works is dead also”
faith without works is dead
faith. Such faith is of no value before God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Just like the body cannot be separated from
the spirit. If they are forced to be separated
the body is a dead corpse.
Likewise
faith and works are indivisible. Faith without works is dead faith.
2) Spirit gives life to men (see Gen. 2:7).
Works makes the living life in faith manifest.
3) Christians who cannot manifest the works of
faith have a name that they live
and are dead (see Rev. 3:1).
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
Three Criteria that Try Faith
A. Do not judge with partiality (v.1-8);
B. Keep the whole of the royal law (v.9-13);
C. Make the faith manifest by works (v.14-26);
Do not Show Partiality.
A. Partiality is not in keeping with the identity
of believers (v.1);
B. The example of partiality ---- respect the
rich and despise the poor (v.2-3);
C. Partiality is out of evil thoughts (v.4);
D. Partiality does not conform to the will of
God (v.5);
E. Partiality is against normal politeness
(v.6-7);
F. Partiality is evil and unlawful (v.8-11);
G. Partiality shall be under judgment without
mercy (v.12-13);
H. Partiality is done by faith (v.14-17);
Faults of Partiality
A.
Regard oneself as a
judge (v.4);
B.
Manifest one’s inner
partiality and evil thoughts (v.4);
C.
Partiality to the
poor is not in keeping with the will of God’s election (v.5);
D.
This is an attitude
to humiliate others (v
E.
Honoring the rich is
a foolish action (v.6b-7);
The Nature of the Law
A. The royal law (v.8);
B. The perfect law (v.9-11);
C. The law of liberty (v
D. The law of judgment (v.12b-13);
True Faith
A. True faith should profit men (v.14-16).
B. True faith should be faith of life and peace
(v.17-20).
C. True faith should justify men (v.21-25).
D. True faith should work together with works
(v.22
26).
Faith without Works
A. It is the faith with “words” but no works
(v.14).
B. It is the faith that produces no works
(v.17).
C. It is the “dead” faith (v.17
26).
D. It is the faith that cannot be manifested
(v.18).
E. It is the inoperative faith (v.20).
Three Different Kinds of Faith
A. Faith without works (v.14
17) ---- dead
faith;
B. Works without faith (v
C. Faith with works (v.22) ---- living faith or
perfect faith;
What is the Profitable Faith?
A. The faith that is able to provide men
(v.14-16);
B. The faith that is able to bear fruit
(v.19-20);
C. The faith that is able to justify men
(v.22-25);
Dialectic of Faith
A. One declaration: faith without works is dead
(v.20);
B. Two examples: Abraham and Rahab the harlot
(v.21-25);
C. One conclusion: living faith should be accompanied
with works (v.26).
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou