James 2:25

25 Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road?

James 2:25 Meaning and Commentary

James 2:25

Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot
(See Gill on Hebrews 11:31) justified by works; this woman was an instance of the grace of God in calling the chief of sinners, and was a true believer; and what she did, she did in faith, ( Hebrews 11:31 ) and her faith was shown by her works to be true and genuine; and it was manifest that she was a justified person. This instance is produced with the other, to show, that wherever there is true faith, whether in Jew or Gentile, in man or woman, in greater or lesser believers, or in such who have been greater or lesser sinners, there will be good works; and therefore that person is a vain man that talks and boasts of his faith, and depends upon it, and slights and rejects good works as unnecessary to be done.

When she had received the messengers:
the spies that Joshua sent, into her house, with peace and safety:

and had sent them out another way;
than they came in, even through the window upon the town wall, ( Joshua 2:1 Joshua 2:15 ) .

James 2:25 In-Context

23 Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.
24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road?
26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.