Faith vs. Works

The Epistle of James has an enduring message for the entirety of the Church and for each individual believer. James challenges its readers to live a life pleasing to God. The message of James 2 is vital for Christians to take root into one’s life. In James 2, there are two controversial topics addressed. James 2 addresses how to live out one’s faith by bringing forth action. The previous chapter addresses a phrase in James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves”, which correlates with James Ch. 2:14-26. Being doers of the word and not hearers only is simply the only suitable response to the word of God. One would not be able to be a doer of the word if he does not fulfill the royal law of love (James 2:1-13) or if his faith does not include works (James 2:14-26) (Hodges 59). James Ch. 2: 1-26 relates to James as a whole by addressing sin, judgment and focusing on living out one’s faith.

The commonly accepted author for the Book of James is James the Just, the Lord’s brother. James practiced strict adherence to Jewish tradition although he did not require it of others. James was called the “Just” because of his extraordinary equality and wisdom. James was also known as “Camel Knees” because of the calluses on his knees from long hours of prayer. The authoritative style of the author fits the portrayal of James that is depicted in Acts (Acts 15:13-21; 21:18). The high moral standards conveyed throughout this epistle seem to reflect the character of James the Just as described by 2nd century writers (Hodges 7-9).

In James 1:1, the author allocates his intended audience as the “twelve tribes in the dispersion”. This leads many to believe that the audience for James’ letter was certainly ...

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...nal future.

James 2 brought forth a great message to Jewish Christians outside Palestine, as well as, Christians today. God’s word is extremely powerful and can relate to many generations. James powerful teaching on faith and the proscription of partiality is a crucial lesson to be learned by all. It is vital that Christians bear fruit in all they do giving glory to the Lord. James 2 shows Christians the need to be consistently pursing God and acting on their faith.

Works Cited

ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008. Print.

Hodges, Zane Clark., Arthur L. Farstad, and Robert N. Wilkin. The Epistle of James: Proven

Character through Testing : a Verse by Verse Commentary. Irving, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 1994. Print.

Moo, Douglas J. The Letter of James. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2000. Print.