James illustrated this point with a hypothetical case involving two very severe violations of the law. All sins are not equally serious in that the consequences of some sins are greater than others, but all sins are equally serious in that any sin is a violation of God’s will. read more
The law of liberty (James 1:25) is the law of God that liberates us now. It is the same as the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) in contrast to the Mosaic Law. As free as we are under the law of Christ, we need to remember that God will judge us (Romans 14:10-13; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We need to speak and act accordingly, namely, without prejudice toward others."Since he is speaking to believers, the judgment to which he refers must be the judgment of believers at the judgment... read more
6. The implication of our own judgment 2:12-13 read more
God will not judge us with partiality. He will punish the unmerciful unmercifully. We need to understand this statement in the light of other revelations concerning how God will judge believers. We are in no danger of losing our salvation or even experiencing God’s wrath. However, we will suffer a loss of reward if we sin by practicing unmerciful favoritism (2 Corinthians 5:10; cf. Matthew 5:7; Matthew 6:15; Matthew 7:1; Matthew 18:23-25).On the other hand, if we are merciful in dealing with... read more
2:12 (C)1998 economy publishing. Rights asserted over non-public domain aspects only. read more
Warnings Against Respect of Persons. Belief and Practice1. Another instance of inconsistency. Jesus Christ the Lord of glory] better, ’Jesus Christ the glory,’ or ’the glorious one,’ One of the rare passages in which St. James breaks through his habitual reserve in speaking of the Master, and shows us something of his devotion to Christ. Such reserve was natural to a Jew. 2. In the Jewish-Christian Church the place for worship is still the synagogue (Hebrews 10:25). At first strangers would be... read more
(11) For he that said . . .—All men have favourite vices and indulgences; and most“Compound for sins they have a mind toBy damning those they’re not inclined to;”forgetful that the same Lawgiver has laid His restrictions upon every sort and kind. Not that we can believe all sins are the same in their deadening effect upon the soul, or, further, in their punishment. The point which St. James urges is that sin, as sin, involves the curse of the law; and that “respect of persons,” with its... read more
(12) So speak ye, and so do.—The writer has shown how unsuspected sins lead quickly to a violation of the Law, and in concluding this part of his Epistle he returns to the warning against an unguarded tongue, with which he commenced in chap 1:26.The law of liberty.—The term is only found here and in James 1:25, and seems one of which James the Wise was peculiarly fond. What, however, did he precisely mean? Neither the ceremonial, nor the moral, most certainly; but the spiritual law of One... read more
(13) For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.—Better, For unmerciful judgment shall be to him that wrought not mercy. Here again are the clearest echoes of our Saviour’s words (Matthew 6:1-2, et seq.), and a reference, we can hardly doubt, to His well-known parable (Matthew 18:21-35); and we must remember, further, that “the unforgiving temper, apart from all outward wrong, constitutes the sin of the unmerciful servant;” opportunity only being lacking for its full... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 2:10-11
5. The importance of partiality 2:10-11 read more