James 2:1
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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James reveals a crucial, often overlooked aspect of "faith" here: it's not just a belief system, but a practice, a way of holding the faith that involves treating everyone equally, especially in worship. He directly links this practice to Christ, calling Him "the Lord of glory," suggesting that our faith in such a glorious Lord should elevate our view of all people, stripping away worldly distinctions of wealth and status.
James is rebuking his readers for showing favoritism towards the wealthy, especially within their worship gatherings. He argues that this practice directly contradicts the core principles of their faith in Jesus Christ, who is the glorious Lord. This chapter, therefore, begins by addressing a practical application of genuine faith: treating everyone with equal respect regardless of their social standing.
James doesn't just tell us what to believe, but how to live out that belief. What does it truly mean to 'hold' the faith?
The Greek word translated 'have' in "have not the faith" isn't just about belief in your head. It's about possessing something, occupying it, and practicing it as a matter of habit. Think of it like owning property – it's not just knowing it exists, but actively engaging with it, living on it, and managing it.
When James tells us not to hold the faith 'with respect of persons,' he's saying our practice of faith shouldn't be influenced by favoritism. Our faith in Jesus Christ should shape our actions and attitudes consistently, not just when it's convenient or beneficial.
Why does James tie our treatment of people to the very identity of Jesus Christ? What's the connection between 'glory' and impartiality?
James calls Jesus 'the Lord of glory.' This isn't just a title; it emphasizes Jesus' divine majesty and supreme worth. The commentators highlight that this glory is intrinsic to who He is. He is the glorious Lord.
This high calling of our Lord, who is the ultimate standard of value, directly contrasts with 'respect of persons.' Showing partiality—favoring the rich over the poor based on outward appearances—dishonors the glorious Lord in whose name we believe. Our faith isn't just about believing in Him, but about believing Him, and His character demands that we reflect His impartiality. The glory of Christ transcends worldly status.
The phrase 'respect of persons' sounds a bit old-fashioned. What does this specific sin actually look like in practice?
The Greek phrase 'respect of persons' literally means 'to receive faces.' It's about judging people based on their outward appearance or social standing rather than their intrinsic character or their place in God's sight. Think of it as putting on a mask or playing a role based on who you're interacting with.
Understand the original words
adelphoi · Greek Noun
A term of endearment used by New Testament writers to emphasize the spiritual equality and unity of believers as members of the same divine family.
prosōpolēmpsia · Greek Noun
Literally "lifting of the face," referring to the sin of favoring one person over another based on external factors like wealth, status, or ethnicity rather than judging according to truth and character.
pistis · Greek Noun
The body of truth revealed by God and the corresponding personal trust/reliance upon Jesus Christ for salvation. It represents the objective standard of the Gospel and the subjective commitment of the believer.
doxa · Greek Noun
The early church, composed largely of Jewish believers still influenced by synagogue customs, faced the challenge of integrating a faith that proclaimed equality in Christ with societal tendencies to favor the wealthy. James's letter addresses this by grounding the admonition against partiality in the very nature of their faith in Jesus, the 'Lord of glory'.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, lives, teaches, and is crucified, forming the foundation of the faith.
c. 33 AD onwards
Early Church Growth and Structure
The early Christian church begins to grow, with believers meeting in homes and synagogues, developing their communal practices.
c. 49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A significant council of early Christian leaders addresses issues of Gentile inclusion, likely influencing the ethical and communal standards of the church.
c. 60-62 AD— this verse
Writing of the Epistle of James
James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church, writes his epistle, likely to Jewish Christians scattered abroad, addressing practical faith and behavior.
This verse directly links the prohibition against showing partiality ('respect of persons') with the call to be holy, mirroring James's concern that our faith should align with righteous actions.
Luke 20:21This passage shows Jesus himself being tested on whether he shows partiality, highlighting that impartiality is a core aspect of true righteousness, a theme James builds upon.
Romans 2:11Paul echoes James's sentiment, stating plainly that God shows no favoritism, reinforcing the idea that partiality is contrary to God's character and therefore unacceptable for believers.
1 Corinthians 2:8This verse refers to Jesus as 'the Lord of glory,' directly connecting to James's description of Christ and emphasizing the immense value and dignity of the One in whom believers place their faith.
Philippians 2:3-4Paul encourages believers to 'esteem others better than themselves' and 'look not each to his own things,' which directly counteracts the self-serving partiality James condemns and points to Christ's humility as the model.
vincentJames 2:1: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."
Have (ἔχετε)Rev., hold, not in the sense of hold fast, cleave to, but of possessing, occupying, and practising, as a matter of habit. Thus we say that a man holds his property by a certain tenure. A rented estate is a holding. So of an opinion, or set of opinions, with which one is publicly identified. We say that he holds thus and so.With respect of persons (ἐν προσωπολημψίαις…
clarkeJames 2:1: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."
My brethren, have not - This verse should be read interrogatively: My brethren, do ye not make profession of the faith or religion of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with acceptance of persons? That is, preferring the rich to the poor merely because of their riches, and not on account of any moral excellence, personal piety, or public usefulness. Πιστις, faith, is put here for relig…
James reveals a crucial, often overlooked aspect of "faith" here: it's not just a belief system, but a practice, a way of holding the faith that involves treating everyone equally, especially in worship. He directly links this practice to Christ, calling Him "the Lord of glory," suggesting that our faith in such a glorious Lord should elevate our view of all people, stripping away worldly distinctions of wealth and status.
James is rebuking his readers for showing favoritism towards the wealthy, especially within their worship gatherings. He argues that this practice directly contradicts the core principles of their faith in Jesus Christ, who is the glorious Lord. This chapter, therefore, begins by addressing a practical application of genuine faith: treating everyone with equal respect regardless of their social standing.
James is rebuking his readers for showing favoritism towards the wealthy, especially within their worship gatherings. He argues that this practice directly contradicts the core principles of their faith in Jesus Christ, who is the glorious Lord. This chapter, therefore, begins by addressing a practical application of genuine faith: treating everyone with equal respect regardless of their social standing.
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This sin is about favoritism, especially shown in religious settings. It means giving special treatment, a better seat, or more attention to someone because they are wealthy or important, while neglecting or looking down on someone who is poor or unremarkable. This worldly assessment directly contradicts the way God sees us and the equality we share in Christ.
A title reflecting the divine majesty and splendor of Christ; it asserts that Jesus possesses the essential nature and glory of God the Father.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
Although later, this event and subsequent persecution of Christians under Nero highlight the social and political pressures faced by early believers.
"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." — James reveals a crucial, often overlooked aspect of "faith" here: it's not just a belief system, but a practice, a way of holding the faith that involves treating everyone equally, especially in wo…
