Jam 2:14-16 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Jas 2:14-26: 2:14-26 James explains why Christians need to be concerned about the judgment of their actions (2:12-13 ): Real faith must be accompanied by good deeds (see 1:22-25 ). 2:14 if you say you have faith: James writes to Christians who need to be stimulated to produce actions that should arise from genuine faith. Paul makes the same point (see, e.g., Gal 5:6 ) but often criticizes people for trying to base their relationship with God on what they do (Rom 3:20 , 28 ; 4:3-5 ; Gal 2:16 ; 3:1-14 ).

a2:14-26►

b2:12-13►

c1:22-25►

d2:14►

eGal 5:6►

fRom 3:20►

g28►

h4:3-5►

iGal 2:16►

j3:1-14►

k2:15-16►

l2:2-4►

‏ James 2:14-16

Summary for Jas 2:14-26: 2:14-26 ^a James explains why Christians need to be concerned about the judgment of their actions (2:12-13 ^b): Real faith must be accompanied by good deeds (see 1:22-25 ^c). 2:14 ^d if you say you have faith: James writes to Christians who need to be stimulated to produce actions that should arise from genuine faith. Paul makes the same point (see, e.g., Gal 5:6 ^e) but often criticizes people for trying to base their relationship with God on what they do (Rom 3:20 ^f, 28 ^g; 4:3-5 ^h; Gal 2:16 ⁱ; 3:1-14 ^j).
Summary for Jas 2:15-16: 2:15-16 ^k Suppose you see: As in 2:2-4 ^l, James gives an illustration of “faith” that is useless.

• no food or clothing: In first-century Palestine and the Roman world in general, many poverty-stricken persons lacked the bare necessities of life.

• stay warm and eat well: This sentence probably expresses a presumption that God would provide the needs of the poor person. The speaker might suppose that what is needed is simply an expression of faith that it will happen. But without participation (action), it is an empty wish.