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New Testament Theology:
Short Analysis of Galatians 2:16 and James 2:24
By Joshua Kasper
If one reads Galatians 2:16 and James 2:24, one can see that with an initial reading there appears to be a conflict. On a more detailed reading of the verses along with a historical understanding of the letters, it can be seen that there is actually no conflict. What must be uncovered is exactly what Paul means by faith and what James means justified by faith. In addition to this, one must understand whom the letters were written to, along with seeing the verses in the context of the particular situations the letters were written to address. After doing this, one can see that the verses do not conflict, but that they rather enhance one another.
Galatians is a letter written to deal with a controversy. It appears that the church in Galatia was fighting over whether Christians should first follow the laws of Judaism before becoming a full member of the Christian church. 1 Although there are two possible locations to which Paul was writing, the controversy is clearly seen in the letter itself (Gal 2:3f; 2:11-13). The possibility is that Jewish Christians were attempting to restrict those in the Galatian church to follow the law. Because of this, it can be seen that it would be important for Paul to emphasize faith over the law. If faith is over the law, then the Gentiles do not have to observe the law in order to be saved.
The book of James was written to Jewish Christians. This can be seen with the allusions to the law (Jas 2:8ff). Because this is written to Jewish Christians, James writes using terms and forms that would be understood by Jews. The content of the letter suggests that those who were to receive the letter were not acting properly.2 The letter is practical and it has many instructions in it for proper living. This suggests that the recipients were probably weak Christians. Therefore those to whom James was writing did not prove their faith well (Jas 1:22). For this reason, James emphasized that it is through works that faith is actually proved. The recipients to whom James writes probably have taken faith too far and they did not act out their faith.
Because Paul and James were attempting to solve different problems, it can be seen that their emphasis would be different. Unfortunately, this does not completely solve the inconsistency. Although Paul may be stressing that one must have faith without the law, Paul does not explicitly promote works with faith in this passage. This leads to the further possibility that the two are contradictory statements. To solve the problem it is necessary to see how each uses the terms faith and justification, and how faith is used equivocally.
The word "justified" is being used in two different ways. Paul is referring to the initial justification of a person. This is from the sinful life to the righteous life. Because of this, it is impossible for works to justify anyone. What James seems to be meaning by justified is the eternal justification. James is speaking in eschatological terms. In the final judgement and now, one's works will show one's faith, and works will show one's commitment to that faith. A person is not saved from eternal death without faith, and a person is not saved from the final judgement without works based on faith. Another important part of James' concept is that it is not through faith alone. This suggests that while faith is needed, it alone is not sufficient for justification in the final judgement.3
The way the authors use the word faith shows that there is an equivocation here. Paul uses the word to refer to belief in the Lord's help. We must believe that the Lord justified us on the cross, and this is without our works. This is the basic crux of Galatians. James uses the word to refer to an acceptance of the Christian teaching. James' view is more ethical evangelism than a call for initial salvation, this coincides with the theme of his letter. One who exemplifies the Christian faith will have works; however, works do not bring salvation but attest it. On the other hand, faith brings salvation, but faith without faithfulness (works) does not testify to Christ's grace in the individual. Paul did not think that it was faith alone, either. Romans 6:1ff shows that Christians must not continue in sin. Christians must act on their faith and do what is appropriate. Galatians 5:15-26 shows that faith produces works. Christians must live in the spirit and act ethically as a result of he faith they have. One must have faith, and that faith is expressed in love and faithfulness (Gal. 5:6).
Paul is emphasizing the salvation effect of faith, whereas James is more concerned with the ethical aspect of faith. The two are not contradictions because each is using faith in two different ways. The idea that faith produces works is not ignored by Paul (cf. Rom 6:1ff; Gal. 5:15-26). Paul is addressing a specific problem, so it may not be clearly seen in Galatians. The justification referred to in both texts is used in two different ways. Paul deals with initial justification, whereas James deals with lifestyle now and final justification. In the end, it is seen that the two complement each other. First one must believe by faith, then that faith will produce works in the individual which will testify to the grace of God.
1 Walter A. Elwell. (ed)., Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996) 1001.
back2 Donald Guthrie, New Testament Introduction, (Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1990) 753.
back3 Douglas J. Moo, The Letter of James: An Introduction and Commentary (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, Co., 1985) 46-48.
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