THE SIN OF PARTIALITY James 2:1-13

Before diving into his specific example, James shares his admonition saying: “show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 1). There is no consistency between true faith and making what James says amounts to evil distinctions (see v. 4) that exalt one above another. All have the same Creator. All were made in the image of the Creator (see Gen. 1:26). God desires all to be saved! (1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Pt. 3:9).

2:1-4 – TWO MEN ENTER THE ASSEMBLY

In verse 2, James begins setting out the example of two very different individuals entering into the assembly. One man is clearly very wealthy; the other is poor (the same word is used here as for a beggar). To give great consideration and honor to the wealthy individual and shame the poor man, James indicates, is showing partiality. Clearly, this is the kind of judging that Christians must refrain from (see also Mt. 7:1-5; Jn. 7:24). The Gospel, or, “the faith” (v. 1) is for all! (see Rom. 1:16). (Also compare this with the account of the rich man and Lazarus – Lk. 16:19-31.)

2:5-7 – FOOLISH DISTINCTIONS

In verses 5-7, James proceeds to show his reader the foolishness of showing partiality. Indeed, God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith (v. 5). This is not an arbitrary selection, but the materially poor tend to be less blinded to spiritual things. They are more prone to “receive the word of God” (1 Thess. 2:13). In contrast, the rich, the very one’s they are showing favoritism toward, are the one’s who typically persecute them! (see vv. 6-7). It was the religious leaders, such as the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees, who gave Jesus, the apostles, and the early church the most difficulties.

Of course, we should not conclude from this study that James taught prejudice against the rich, nor anyone else. But what an opportunity the Lord provides when we have the opportunity to honor those of this world that tend to be despised! In John 4 Jesus taught the apostles a great lesson on evangelism by teaching the woman at the well.

2:8-13 – APPLYING THE ROYAL LAW

James appeals to the “royal law” (v. 8) at this point, quoting the OT Scriptures, saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 8). It seems the original recipients of this letter chose certain domains to make application of this great law, but neglected other areas. However, James is clear that to neglect some areas of applying mercy and love were “committing sin” (v. 9).

2:12-13 – CONCLUSION

James concludes this section urging Christians to speak and act with the sobriety of knowing they will be judged some day. The great principle that he wishes them to keep in mind, and that we too must carefully consider is: “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement” (v. 13).

Daily our faith is tested. We are tested to apply the love and mercy of God properly to all situations we face. Our faith is even tested as we assemble together as the church.

Daren Schroeder