James 2:18-22
Summary for Jas 2:18-19: 2:18-19 a James demonstrates the futility of believing that something is true without acting upon it.• Now someone may argue: James presents another diatribe (see study note on 1:13), in which he presents a hypothetical counterargument that one person may have the gift of faith while another person has the gift of works (see 1 Cor 12:7-9 b).
2:19 c that there is one God: This is the basic confession of Israel’s faith (see Deut 6:4 d).
• the demons believe: They know that there is one God, and he is their enemy (Mark 1:24 e).
Summary for Jas 2:20-26: 2:20-26 f James demonstrates from Scripture that genuine faith finds expression in action.
2:22 g This verse explains 2:21 h so it won’t be misunderstood: Abraham was not justified by his actions alone; instead, his faith and his actions worked together. This describes the full scope of Abraham’s faithful response to God throughout his life (see Gen 12:1-4 i; 18:1-27 j).
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