James 2:25

25 In the same way also was not the notorious sinner Rahab declared to be righteous because of her actions when she welcomed the spies and hurriedly helped them to escape another way?

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 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And Abraham believed God, and his faith was placed to his credit as righteousness," and he received the name of `God's friend.'

24 You all see that it is because of actions that a man is pronounced righteous, and not simply because of faith.

25 In the same way also was not the notorious sinner Rahab declared to be righteous because of her actions when she welcomed the spies and hurriedly helped them to escape another way?

26 For just as a human body without a spirit is lifeless, so also faith is lifeless if it is unaccompanied by obedience.