Santiago 2:14, Santiago 2:18 NTV

The Pulpit Commentary - James 2:14-26

Faith and works. The supposed antagonism between Paul and James. Misapprehension. Paul's great argument is that, not by seeking to fulfill an impossible righteousness do we make ourselves just before God, but by acknowledging our sin and accepting his salvation. James's argument is, that the very faith which saves us is a faith which brings forth after-fruits, or it is not true faith at all. So, then, the "works" to which the one refers are works done with a view to salvation, that God's... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 2:14

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith? - The apostle here returns to the subject adverted to in James 1:22-27, the importance of a practical attention to the duties of religion, and the assurance that men cannot be saved by a mere speculative opinion, or merely by holding correct sentiments. He doubtless had in his eye those who abused the doctrine of justification by faith, by holding that good works are unnecessary to salvation, provided they maintain an orthodox... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - James 2:14-17

James 2:14-17. What doth it profit From James 1:22, the apostle has been enforcing Christian practice; he now applies to those who neglected this under the pretence of faith. St. Paul had taught, that a man is justified by faith without the works of the law. This some began already to wrest to their own destruction. Wherefore St. James, purposely repeating ( Jas 2:21-25 ) the same phrases, testimonies, and examples, which St. Paul had used, (Romans 4:3; Hebrews 11:17-31,) refutes, not the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - James 2:14-26

Proof of genuine faith (2:14-26)The Christian faith is not merely a mental belief, but something that is practised. Those who say they have faith must give evidence of it by their behaviour. In the case of the poor Christians just referred to, it is useless to talk sympathetically to them but not give them food and clothing. A professed faith must produce a corresponding change in behaviour, otherwise it is dead and useless (14-17).Genuine faith will prove itself by good deeds. The simple... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - James 2:14

What doth, &c . = What is the profit (Greek. ophelos) ? See 1 Corinthians 15:32 . though = if, as in James 2:2 . a man = one. App-123 . works . Compare Matthew 5:16 . can, &c . Question preceded by me, assuming a negative answer. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - James 2:14

What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him?If a man say he hath faith ... Here, at last, is that subjective trust/faith which is so frequently imported into New Testament passages. The word for "faith" here is exactly the one used in Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:8, etc.; and the allegation that here is a pretended faith, or some inferior brand of faith, is absolutely illogical, there being no word in the apostolic writings regarding... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - James 2:14

James 2:14.— The Jews retained the highest reverence for their law, and would adhere to it as the method of justification or acceptance with God, even after the coming of the gospel of Christ. Whereas the apostles assured them, that faith, or the gospel method, was the only way in which they could hope for acceptance. Some of the JewishChristians,hearingfaithextolledso much above the law, seem to have wilfully misrepresented the design of the apostles, as if by faith they had meant no more than... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 2:14

14. James here, passing from the particular case of "mercy" or "love" violated by "respect of persons," notwithstanding profession of the "faith of our Lord Jesus" ( :-), combats the Jewish tendency (transplanted into their Christianity) to substitute a lifeless, inoperative acquaintance with the letter of the law, for change of heart to practical holiness, as if justification could be thereby attained (Romans 2:3; Romans 2:13; Romans 2:23). It seems hardly likely but that James had seen Paul's... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 2:14

1. James’ assertion 2:14The Arminian interpretation of this verse (view one above) is as follows. If a person claims to be a Christian but gives no evidence of true faith by the way he lives, he may never have been saved or he may no longer be saved. One Reformed view (view two above) is that if a person claims to be a Christian but gives no evidence of true faith by the way he lives, he was never saved. [Note: For a response to advocates of lordship salvation that hold this position, see... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 2:14-26

B. The Importance of Vital Faith 2:14-26Some have seen this section as dealing with a new subject, the relationship of faith and works, whereas the previous one dealt with partiality (James 2:1-13). It seems to me and to others, however, that this section relates to the preceding one in the same way James 1:19-27 relates to James 1:2-18. It deals with a larger, more basic issue that connects with and underlies the practical problem just discussed."In this section St. James proceeds to enlarge... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - James 2:14-26

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 2:14

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - James 2:14-17

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - James 2:14-26

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - James 2:14

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - James 2:14

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - James 2:14

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 2:14

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 2:14

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 2:14-26

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