For the last several days, we have been looking at faith and works from James’s book, chapter 2, verses 14-19. Today, we pick up in verse 20, where we continue to examine his argument on faith and works. I would suggest you go back and read the last few days to catch up.
Our verse of the day comes from James 2:20. We are continuing to look at faith and works.
“Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
Wow! Talk about blunt. James doesn’t appear to hold back. What does he mean, and what is the point he has been trying to get across?
My commentary says the Greek adjective translated “foolish” means “empty.” It refers to an intellectual deficiency, but in the theological and moral context of the New Testament, the term also has a moral and spiritual flavor.
So James addresses his opponent as one who has no comprehension of spiritual truth. He does not see “that faith without works is useless.” In verse 17, such faith is called “dead.” Here it is described as something that does not work; it accomplishes nothing.
James will offer his opponent evidence, and they will know to whom he is referring. We will look at that evidence next time we are together as we look at verses 21 through 26. That’s a lot of ground to cover, but we will round out our look at James’ thoughts on faith and works. I hope you will come back.
Blessings!
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