James 2
Lutheran reading notes
In James chapter 2, the message of the gospel develops the theme of practical faith demonstrated through works. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, {the Lord} of glory, with respect of persons.
James 2:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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; {assembly: Gr. synagogue}
James 2:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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: {in...: or, well, or, seemly}
James 2:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
James 2:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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? {of the: or, of that}
James 2:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
James 2:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? {blaspheme: or, revile, or, slander}
James 2:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
James 2:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
James 2:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one {point}, he is guilty of all.
James 2:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {he that: or, that law which}
James 2:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
James 2:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. {rejoiceth: or, glorieth}
James 2:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
What {doth it} profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James 2:14 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:15 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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?
James 2:16 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. {alone: Gr. by itself}
James 2:17 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. {without: some copies read, by}
James 2:18 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
James 2:19 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:20 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
James 2:21 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? {Seest...: or, Thou seest}
James 2:22 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James 2:23 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:24 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
25
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent {them} out another way?
James 2:25 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. {spirit: or, breath}