James 2:17-26 NASB,NIV

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 2:25

Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot ,.... See Gill on Hebrews 11:31 justified by works; this woman was an instance of the grace of God in calling the chief of sinners, and was a true believer; and what she did, she did in faith, Hebrews 11:31 and her faith was shown by her works to be true and genuine; and it was manifest that she was a justified person. This instance is produced with the other, to show, that wherever there is true faith, whether in Jew or Gentile, in man or woman, in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead ,.... This simile is made use of to illustrate what the apostle had asserted in James 2:17 that as a body, when the spirit or soul is departed from it, or the breath is gone out of it, is dead, and without motion, and useless; which the Jews F4 Ohel. Moed, fol. 15. 1. express in like manner, פגר גוף בלא רוח , "the body without the spirit", or "breath, is a carcass". So faith without works is dead also : a vain thing, useless and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:17

If it hath not works, is dead - The faith that does not produce works of charity and mercy is without the living principle which animates all true faith, that is, love to God and love to man. They had faith, such as a man has who credits a well-circumstanced relation because it has all the appearance of truth; but they had nothing of that faith that a sinner, convinced of his sinfulness, God's purity, and the strictness of the Divine laws, is obliged to exert in the Lord Jesus, in order to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:18

Show me thy faith without thy works - Your pretending to have faith, while you have no works of charity or mercy, is utterly vain: for as faith, which is a principle in the mind, cannot be discerned but by the effects, that is, good works; he who has no good works has, presumptively, no faith. I will show thee my faith by my works - My works of charity and mercy will show that I have faith; and that it is the living tree, whose root is love to God and man, and whose fruit is the good... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:19

Thou believest that there is one God - This is the faith in which these persons put their hope of pleasing God, and of obtaining eternal life. Believing in the being and unity of God distinguished them from all the nations of the world; and having been circumcised, and thus brought into the covenant, they thought themselves secure of salvation. The insufficiency of this St. James immediately shows. The devils also believe, and tremble - It is well to believe there is one only true God;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:20

But wilt thou know - Art thou willing to be instructed in the nature of true saving faith? Then attend to the following examples. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:21

Was not Abraham our father - Did not the conduct of Abraham, in offering up his son Isaac on the altar, sufficiently prove that he believed in God, and that it was his faith in him that led him to this extraordinary act of obedience? read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:22

Seest thou how faith wrought - Here is a proof that faith cannot exist without being active in works of righteousness. His faith in God would have been of no avail to him, had it not been manifested by works; for by works - by his obedience to the commands of God, his faith was made perfect - it dictated obedience, he obeyed; and thus faith ετελειωθη , had its consummation. Even true faith will soon die, if its possessor do not live in the spirit of obedience. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:23

The scripture was fulfilled - He believed God; this faith was never inactive, it was accounted to him for righteousness: and being justified by thus believing, his life of obedience showed that he had not received the grace of God in vain. See the notes on Genesis 15:6 ; Romans 4:3 ; (note); Galatians 3:6 ; (note); where this subject is largely explained. The friend of God - The highest character ever given to man. As among friends every thing is in common; so God took Abraham into... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:24

Ye see then how - It is evident from this example that Abraham's faith was not merely believing that there is a God; but a principle that led him to credit God's promises relative to the future Redeemer, and to implore God's mercy: this he received, and was justified by faith. His faith now began to work by love, and therefore he was found ever obedient to the will of his Maker. He brought forth the fruits of righteousness; and his works justified - proved the genuineness of his faith; and... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 2:25

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 2:26

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:18

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:19

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:20

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:21

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:22

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:23

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 2:24

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