James 2:25

25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out 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, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness"; and he was called the friend of God.

24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.