Favoritism - James 2:1
James headlines this section with an admonition against
favoritism. Those who
hold to faith in…the Lord of glory, worship one who is impartial (Deut 10:17-20), whose justice cannot be bent by bribes. Thus, his people must treat each other and their neighbors with equal dignity and deference. Wise people and communities are marked by equity.
Gold rings...fine clothes - James 2:2-3
In order to illustrate favoritism, James pictured two people and the way they are treated as they enter the Christian assembly: one rich man with
gold rings and fine clothes and a poor man in dirty clothes. The rich man is afforded a
nice place of honor; whereas, the poor man is given a place of dishonor at one’s
feet, like a slave. Or he is told to
stand out of the way where he can be more easily ignored.
Discriminated among yourselves - James 2:4
No mere illustration, some within James’ audience had been showing preference to the wealthy and neglecting the poor. These church members have traded the wisdom of God for the wisdom of the world. Violating the practices of true religion in 1:27, James describes them as
judges with evil thoughts.
Upside down economy in God's kingdom- James 2:5
In the upside down economy of his kingdom, God makes the poor
rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “the meek shall inherit the earth” and the poor will possess “the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3, 5). Earthly riches cannot curry favor with God, because He accepts no bribes. His favor rests solely on those who seek his wisdom. The church would be wise to seek God’s favor, instead of the favor of the rich who often oppress the poor.
The rich exploiting poorer citizens - James 2:6-7
James calls attention to the way in which rich members of the community were using the
court to gain further advantages against poorer citizens. By doing so, the rich
insult Jesus’ name, because he identified with the poor and illustrated the economic justice of his kingdom and the deceitfulness of riches in his parables.
Royal law - James 2:8-9
James’ echo of Jesus’ teaching is evident again in the way he summarizes the
royal law The sum of this law, which is also described as the “law of freedom” and the “word of truth” (1:18, 21, 23, 25), is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:37-40). To
favor certain people over others directly contradicts this command.
Whole law . . . one point - James 2:10-11
Using the Ten Commandments, James explains how breaking one part of the law makes one
guilty of breaking the whole law. The law has one source, and reflects the character and wisdom of the one, true God (cf. Deut 4:5-8; Matt. 5:19; Gal. 3:10; Eph 3:10). Law-keeping, then, has a missionary purpose to display the character of God.
Going to be judged...mercy triumphs - James 2:12-13
James reminds his readers to
speak and act as people who will be
judged under the law of freedom. Anyone who thinks they will not be judged for their actions and professes faith in Christ is deceiving themselves (Matt 16:15; 25:32; Acts 10:42; Rom 2:5; 14:10-12; 1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10). Those who are
without mercy in judgment will not receive mercy themselves before God’s judgment (Matt. 5:7; 6:14-15). The mercy that
triumphs over judgment tempers retributive justice with restorative justice. God’s law does not merely punish lawbreakers, but with mercy it provides paths of restitution and reconciliation so lawbreakers can be restored to communion with God and neighbor (cf. Hosea 6:6; Matt 9:13; 12:7).
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