Luke 20:21 “And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person, but teachest the way of God truly:” Jesus taught that we are not to be a respecter of persons, if we are Christians. I believe what James is trying to say here, is that being a respecter of a person because of his station in life is not consistent with Christianity. “Respect”: Originally, this word referred to raising someone’s face or elevating the person, but it came to refer to exalting someone strictly on a superficial, external basis, such as appearance, race, wealth, rank or social status (Lev. For example, consider the non-elite people included in His genealogy, His choice of the humble village of Nazareth as His residence for 30 years, and His willingness to minister in Galilee and Samaria, both regions held in contempt by Israel’s leaders. In His incarnation, He showed only impartiality (Matt. “Our Lord Jesus Christ”: Christ is the one who reveals the glory of God (John 1:14 2 Cor. “The faith”: This refers not to the act of believing, but to the entire Christian faith (Jude 3), which has as its central focus Jesus Christ. James 2:1 “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, of glory, with respect of persons.”
Third, James argues that partiality provokes God’s judgment (verses 12-13). When one breaks this ring, he stands outside (verse 10), becoming a transgressor, whether he commits adultery, murder, or shows partiality. The law is like a ring or hedge encircling those within. The one who shows respect of persons is a transgressor of the law. Second, partiality is more than an error in judgment it is an act of sin. First, partiality shows inconsistency in one’s conduct: Those we spurn are the ones God has chosen (verse 5), and shows inconsistency in one’s conduct: those we favor are the godless whom God rejects (verses 6-7). Most of this discussion is an argument against partiality (verses 5-13).
Verses 1-13: James begins this passage on partiality with an exhortation (verse 1), then a brief illustration (verses 2-4).
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