Jam 2:24 | TNotes | STEP | 2:24 not by faith alone: That is, not like the demons who merely believe something is true (2:19 ), but by a belief that results in generous deeds like those of God himself (1:17 ). Though some have thought that this teaching contradicts what Paul taught, it does not. Paul does not speak against good deeds themselves, but about trying to receive forgiveness of sins through good deeds (Rom 3:28 ; Gal 2:16 ). Just as Paul understands that love and generosity necessarily issue from a true faith (Gal 5:6 ), so also James knows that good deeds can result only from authentic faith that results in a commitment to God (Jas 2:18 , 26 ).

a2:24►

b2:19►

c1:17►

dRom 3:28►

eGal 2:16►

fGal 5:6►

gJas 2:18►

h26►

‏ James 2:24

2:24 ^a not by faith alone: That is, not like the demons who merely believe something is true (2:19 ^b), but by a belief that results in generous deeds like those of God himself (1:17 ^c). Though some have thought that this teaching contradicts what Paul taught, it does not. Paul does not speak against good deeds themselves, but about trying to receive forgiveness of sins through good deeds (Rom 3:28 ^d; Gal 2:16 ^e). Just as Paul understands that love and generosity necessarily issue from a true faith (Gal 5:6 ^f), so also James knows that good deeds can result only from authentic faith that results in a commitment to God (Jas 2:18 ^g, 26 ^h).