Studies in the Epistle of James
James 1:23-2:13
By Paul M. Sadler
James wasn't one to sit idly by where an injustice was concerned; consequently, his response is predictable: Are you not showing partiality, which is a sin against God? God is equally concerned about both souls. In essence, he says, isn't it in keeping with your calling to be an imitator of God, who is not a respecter of persons? The apostle makes an airtight case that they had become "judges of evil thoughts." Clearly the motive behind showing partiality to the rich man was selfish gain. On the other hand, the poor man had nothing to offer but a sincere heart and a desire to serve the Lord. Sadly, this same type of prejudice can be seen today in the Church in regard to divorce, social status, race, etc. For example:
Mohandas K. Gandhi was the leader of the Indian nationalist movement against British rule and considered the father of his country?.Gandhi says in his autobiography that in his student days he was truly interested in the Bible. Deeply touched by reading the Gospels, he seriously considered becoming a convert, since Christianity seemed to offer the real solution to the caste system that was dividing the people of India. One Sunday, he went to a nearby church to attend services. He decided to see the minister and ask for instruction in the way of salvation and enlightenment on other doctrines. But when he entered the sanctuary, the ushers refused to give him a seat and suggested that he go and worship with his own people. Gandhi left and never went back. "If Christians have caste differences also," he said to himself, "I might as well remain a Hindu."1
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" (James 2:5-7). James was appalled at the attitude of many within the assembly who despised the poor. They were the very one's God had chosen to inherit the kingdom blessings. This doesn't mean that simply because a man is poor he's automatically saved, anymore than a rich man could not be saved because he's wealthy. God loves them both! William Barclay makes this insightful comment:
James is not shutting the door on the rich - far from it. He is saying that the gospel of Christ is especially dear to the poor and that in it there is a welcome for those who have no one to welcome them, and that through it there is a value set on those whom the world regards as valueless.
God has greatly used the believing poor to accomplish His will, seeing that they are normally in closer touch with the counsel of His will. The night Christ was born God chose to announce the arrival of His beloved Son to a group of poor, lowly shepherds who, like Simeon, were awaiting the consolation of Israel (Luke 2:8-20,25). Of course, the rich were so consumed with their business affairs they were unaware the Messiah was even coming. Interestingly, Christ passed by the ivory palaces of Rome when He came into the world. He chose rather to be born in the insignificant town of Bethlehem, where His mother Mary laid Him in a manger - a feeding trough for animals. He was born into poverty that we might be made rich. The humble surroundings into which Christ was born speaks volumes. You see, both poor and rich can approach Him, as demonstrated in the visitation of the shepherds and the wise men.
It seemed to go beyond James as to why there were those in the assembly who wanted to cater to the rich. It was the wealthy and powerful who were behind setting up false witnesses against Christ and Stephen. They were the ones who demanded the death of the Savior and committed the murder of Stephen. Why then would they want to appease those who persecuted them and were responsible for having some of their own hauled off to the judgment seat? James was amazed that they were so blind! Like Judas, some of the rich undoubtedly surmised that the coming kingdom might profit them in more ways than one (John 12:4-6). Thus, they had an ulterior motive for their attendance - gain!
"If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced [convicted] of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment" (James 2:8-13). We believe the "royal law" is a reference to the totality of the Law of Moses, which is summed up in: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." You see, if the hearers of James loved their neighbor, they would not commit adultery with their neighbor's wife. If they loved their neighbor, they would not steal from him or do him any harm.
But as sure as the sun rises someone probably pointed out to James that while they may have been guilty of prejudice, they had never murdered anyone. To which James replied: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." D. L. Moody explained it this way: Picture a man hanging over a ravine by a chain that has ten links. If all ten links break, he will fall to his death. If five links break, he will fall to his death. If just one link breaks, death is waiting! You only have to break one law to be a transgressor of the law.
Those who lived under the law will be judged by the law. "So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty." Note James clarifies that it will essentially be the "perfect law of liberty" the Lord uses to administer justice in the kingdom. As we have seen, it specifically deals with relationships under the Mosaic system and exposes the motive behind the action. One of the standards is this, those who showed no mercy will not be shown mercy (Matt. 7:1-5 cf. James 2:13). The apostle's desire was that his readers would show mercy to the poor so that in the Day of Judgment they might rejoice in judgment and not be the subject of it for being unmerciful.
Endnotes1. 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Edited by Michael P. Green,
Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, pages 286,287.
2. The New Daily Study Bible, The Letters of James and Peter
by
William Barclay, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, London, pages
76,77.
