James 2:21–24

Context

The Epistle of James has traditionally been regarded as a letter written by James the brother of the Lord to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (James 1:1). This passage belongs to James 2:14–26, a section that asks whether "faith without works" can save a person. After giving the example of someone who offers a naked brother nothing but words of comfort, and after noting that "the devils also believe, and tremble" (v. 19), the author presents Abraham's offering of Isaac on the altar (Genesis 22) as evidence. In verse 25 he offers Rahab as a further example. Verse 23 quotes Genesis 15:6 and says that this Scripture "was fulfilled" in the episode involving Isaac. The title "the Friend of God" also appears in 2 Chronicles 20:7 and Isaiah 41:8.

Interpretation

• Harmonizing reading: Many Protestant interpreters hold that Paul and James were opposing different things. Paul opposed works of the law put forward as a condition of salvation, whereas James opposed a merely verbal faith that bears no fruit. On this reading, "to justify" refers for Paul to justification, being declared righteous before God, while for James it means that genuine faith is shown and proven through works. John Calvin is also understood to have interpreted justification in this passage as the demonstration of righteousness.
• Luther's objection: In the preface to his 1522 German New Testament, Martin Luther called James an "epistle of straw." He did not, however, remove James from the canon.
• Wesleyan reading: Methodist, Holiness, and other traditions that follow Wesleyan theology often read this passage in connection with the teaching that those justified by faith must advance in sanctification (growth in holiness) through works of love.
• Catholic reading: The Catholic Church, in the Council of Trent's Decree on Justification, cited verse 24 in teaching that the justified grow in righteousness through good works.

Debates and Issues

• The Reformation principle of "faith alone" (one of the Five Solas) and the phrase "not by faith only" in verse 24 directly contradict each other at the level of wording. This is the central issue surrounding the passage. Paul likewise cites Genesis 15:6 to speak of righteousness that comes by faith (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6).
• The two authors also draw on different scenes. Paul focuses on Genesis 15, before Abraham's circumcision, while James focuses on Abraham's obedience in Genesis 22, which occurred later. Interpreters sometimes cite this difference in support of the harmonizing reading.
• Some commentators note that using this passage in isolation to support salvation by works and, conversely, dismissing it as inconsistent with Paul are both readings that ignore its context.

In the Korean Church

The passage is frequently cited in sermons that emphasize "faith with works" and in addressing the gap between church members' professed faith and the way they live.

Related Passages

• Genesis 15:1–6
• Genesis 22:12–14
• Romans 4:1–5
• Galatians 5:6
• Ephesians 2:10