Sunday, 21 July 2019

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:24

James 2:24 is one of the most debated verses in the book of James, and even in the New Testament. It is in the indicative mood, and is likely a question, rather than a statement of fact.… Read the rest

Saturday, 20 July 2019

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. James 2:23

James now goes to Scripture to support his claim concerning Abraham that “faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect.” He says, “And the Scripture was fulfilled.”

The word “fulfilled” is argued by some to mean “confirm” or something akin to that.… Read the rest

Friday, 19 July 2019

Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? James 2:22

James just cited the account of Abraham offering up Isaac on the altar to support his notion that “faith without works is dead.” With that in mind, he then says, “Do you see.” Translations are divided on this.… Read the rest

Thursday, 18 July 2019

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? James 2:21

James now introduces the first of the two examples which he inferred were coming by the question which comprised the previous verse. He asked, “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” To affirm that it is the case, he begins his examples with, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works.” Albert Barnes states the following concerning this –

“Justified by works – That is, in the sense in which James is maintaining that a man professing religion is to be justified by his works.… Read the rest

Wednesday, 17 July 2019

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? James 2:20

James has spoken of faith without works and works which demonstrate faith. From there, he used demons as an example of belief which is void of any value. They believe in God and yet they tremble.… Read the rest