Discuss James 2 Page 2

I realize Lbooth1955 that we have discussed this matter before, but thought to address a few points. Paul was called to share the Gospel with the Gentiles, just as the other apostles to Israel ( Galatians 2:7), but was their Gospel presentation any different where repentance, baptism and faith in Jesus was absolute for all men, without any compromise? I read your distinction between them, particularly that the message to the Jews was based on an earthly kingdom hope and Paul's to the Gentiles was on the revealed mystery of the union of Jew & Gentile in one Body, & Grace through Faith apart from the Law.

We aren't given much details of the apostles' ministries, but at least with Peter (that I can think of), if he hadn't realized it before, he certainly did in his encounter with Cornelius (Acts chap 10). The vision he received truly opened his eyes to the fact that not only the Jews, but that God had called Gentiles to be saved and become one together in Christ. At first Peter doubted the vision ( Acts 10:17); then he understood from it that Gentiles were not to be considered unclean (therefore, being prevented from hearing & receiving the Gospel) ( Acts 10:28,34,35); and finally, he saw the evidence of God's working, His outpouring of His Spirit on Gentiles ( Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15-18). This is the first instance as we read, that Peter understood that the Gentiles would also be saved, along with the Jews, incorporated in the one Body.

Regarding salvation by Grace alone, without the observance of the Law, I agree, that this was a problem. The Gentiles, it was decided, would be exempt ( Acts 15:5-20), though it seems ( Acts 21:18-21) that Jewish converts were still embracing the Law. When they matured in faith & knowledge I can't tell, as even today, some still believe in the keeping of the Law. But in the matter of James, in his epistle, I see no problem, as James speaks about 'works' that result from faith ( James 2:14-18), and not faith plus the works of the Law. GBU

Lbooth1955

Thank you for your reply.

While I do not adhere to the overlaying bias of dispensational doctrine upon Scripture as you indeed do, I appreciate your thoughts on how you interpret Scripture.

I am still working on understanding James 2:24 and Rom. 3:28. I do not agree that James' teaching is for ethnic Israel and Paul's is for Gentile believers. I do not hold to the hermeneutic of keeping Israel and the Church distinct because I do not see this taught in Scripture.

But I do take into account how the epistles identify it's immediate audience, yet we do know that these epistles and the gospels where circulated among the churches, whether in Judea or around the Mediterranean lands, and so this reveals that ALL of the NT Scriptures were intended by the Holy Spirit to be for the whole of the church of that time and also down through the centuries to us to include Jews, Israelites of the 10 tribes, and Gentiles who are believers in Jesus and members of His church forever. I do not see that there is Scripture addressed to unbelieving Israel in these NT writings.

Very Interesting Lbooth1955!

I too believe that the Gospel of the kingdom is distinct from the Gospel to the Church.



However, I never studied it in depth.

In fact I never considered James 1:1 through James 2:1 as you mentioned it.

This reminds me of Deuteronomy 18:15-19

"The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him

This may be a kingdom prophecy!

This haven't happened yet to the point where Israel as a nation hearkens to the words of the Lord.

I've always viewed this as a prophecy for the Church.

I believe it's atleast provocative and worthy of a in depth study.

Blessings.

Hi GiGI,

From a dispensational perspective, the tension between James 2:24 ("by works a man is justified, and not by faith only") and Paul's clear statement in Romans 3:28 ("a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law") is resolved by recognizing the distinct audiences and purposes of their writings. James 1:1 explicitly addresses "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad"-Israel in dispersion. His emphasis on works demonstrating faith fits Israel's prophetic and kingdom program, where faith had to be validated by works (cf. Matt. 24:13; Acts 3:19-21). James is not laying out the gospel of grace as revealed to Paul, but reinforcing Israel's covenant responsibility of faith proven by deeds.

Paul, by contrast, reveals the "mystery" gospel ( Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:1-9), hidden until given to him, where justification is by faith alone in Christ's finished work ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4). This is not "overlaying bias," but taking Scripture in its own stated context. All Scripture is indeed inspired and profitable ( 2 Tim. 3:16), but "profitable" does not mean all Scripture is written to us. For example, Leviticus laws or temple sacrifices are not binding today, yet they instruct us about God's holiness. In the same way, James is for our learning, but Paul's epistles are uniquely to the Body of Christ concerning salvation and justification in this dispensation.

Dispensationalism does not diminish the whole Bible; it respects God's progressive revelation. To blend James and Paul as if both are directly prescribing doctrine for the Church today obscures the very clarity Paul magnifies: salvation apart from works. The Spirit does not leave us with contradiction-He calls us to "rightly divide the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15).

I hope this helps!

Grace and Peace.

Hello Chris,

Regarding James, I must have misspoken or maybe not clear on my standing.

I'll try to give some clarity here.

James 1:1 declares, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting." The audience is unmistakably Israel. James is writing to the twelve tribes, not the Body of Christ. These were believing Jews dispersed outside their land. Dispensationally, this aligns with God's prophetic and kingdom program, not the mystery revealed to Paul. The letter prepares the scattered remnant for endurance under trial (1:2), looking toward tribulation and kingdom promises. The timing is before Paul's mystery truth became central, fitting the framework of Israel's ongoing kingdom offer.

James 2:1 continues, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons." The "brethren" are the same Jewish believers, Israel's faithful remnant. The teaching flows from kingdom law, echoing Christ's Sermon on the Mount: impartiality, humility, and mercy. Their faith is kingdom faith in Messiah as Lord of glory, awaiting His earthly reign. This is not Paul's justification by faith apart from works ( Romans 3-5). Rather, James stresses faith validated by works (2:14-26), a hallmark of the kingdom program. Genuine allegiance to Messiah must show itself outwardly as proof during testing.

In comparison, James 1:1 defines the scope: the audience is Israel's twelve tribes. James 2:1 exhorts them in their kingdom walk. Both confirm James is not doctrinally written to the Gentile Body of Christ but to Israel under prophecy. Paul's letters, not James, unfold the gospel of grace and truth of the Body in this dispensation.

Grace and Peace.

I've appreciated what you have shared here Lbooth1955 and in agreement that we need to consider the Bible in its entirety, rightly divided, to learn its Truths and the correct application of them in our lives and ministries.

So when we come to James 1:1, we should correctly believe that James is addressing Israel's twelve tribes scattered into other lands. But when we read James 2:1, he gives us insight as to who these people actually are: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons." Yes, they are his kinsmen by blood, but also joined to them by faith in Christ. It seems, even as Apostle Paul also writes in his epistles, that their heart-strings are still very much attached to and in great concern for their people, but that is only in reference to those of Jewry who are believers, one with them in faith and Spirit. Given all this, would you still maintain that James was written to the unbelieving scattered tribes of Israel?

"Context is the anchor that keeps Bible study from drifting into speculation. Every verse has a setting: who wrote it, to whom it was written, what was happening historically, and what came before and after. Pulling a single phrase without its frame can lead to contradictions or even false doctrines. For example, James 2:24 says a man is justified by works, while Romans 3:28 declares justification by faith without works. At first glance, these clash-but context shows James is addressing Israel's faith under law, while Paul is revealing justification in Christ apart from law in this dispensation."

Here we have a quote from one member which we shall analyze so we may know what we are up against. Context is the framework of God and man. So All scripture is given to man, " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:/That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."(2 Tim.3.16-17) The purpose? 'For instruction in righteousness.' and it is what we ought to keep in focus. Without Christ this nstruction is meaningless. Jesus Christ who of God has become our wisdom, sanctiification etc. So contextt of verses must be to God and Jesus Christ. What James or Paul has written is not infallible since they were referring to the social conditions of their day. But their doctrine is in Christ. Justification by faith explains entering into the God's rest. Where shall we place the works, is it entering into rest? Or is it into abiding in Christ? Or is it in the abundance of fruits. Dispensation is the the little pebble slipped into the shoes of a believer.

Hello, once again,

I do not see anywhere in James that 2:24 is ONLY for the Israel. Although the letter is addresses to the Israelites scattered across the nations from the 10 tribes exiled to Assyria and then mingled among the Gentiles, 2 Tim. 3:16 tells believers under Timothy's shepherding that ALL SCRIPTURE is for all the church for various aspects of learning, conduct, and sanctification.

So, I can see that you overlay Scripture with your interpretation that some NT Scripture is for ethnic Israel only and other Scripture is for Gentiles and/or the church, which is somewhat of the lynchpin of dispensational hermeneutics, therefore you are bringing this outside bias/approach to the Scriptures. I would say that each of us may have bible interpretation approaches that differ from another believers' approach, and we should respect that we each can have differences in hermeneutics.

I do not overlay Scripture with the dispensational bias that you do which keeps Israel and the church/Gentile believers distinct in reference understanding Scripture. I think that Scripture is God inspired and transcends to all generations following the first generation of believers down to our own time because of what Paul exhorted Timothy in 2 Tim. 3:16 as well as what is written in Heb. 4:12.

I do agree that we are to be conscious for whom the bible passage is addressed to (usually in the opening statements in each book). But I do not think that we are to view any Scripture as being not for us and for our edification, learning, training in godliness, and for doctrine.

So, as to Paul in Rom. 3:28 and James 2:24, I take both Scriptures as being something I should believe is for me and that the Holy Spirit will lead believers to understand the apparent contradiction in these two verses. And therefore, I will explore the discrepancy between what Paul and James teach here more fully, as we always should do when we come upon two bible teachings that seem to disagree with each other.

To all that be in Christ,

Food for thought about context!

Context is the anchor that keeps Bible study from drifting into speculation. Every verse has a setting: who wrote it, to whom it was written, what was happening historically, and what came before and after. Pulling a single phrase without its frame can lead to contradictions or even false doctrines. For example, James 2:24 says a man is justified by works, while Romans 3:28 declares justification by faith without works. At first glance, these clash-but context shows James is addressing Israel's faith under law, while Paul is revealing justification in Christ apart from law in this dispensation.

Interpreting scripture with scripture means letting the Bible explain itself. God's Word is a unified whole, and comparing passages sheds light on difficult texts. Paul himself appealed to the Old Testament to confirm truths ( Romans 4 using Abraham as an example). This method guards against personal bias by ensuring one verse is not isolated, but harmonized with the rest of God's revelation.

Without context and cross-referencing, readers may force their own meaning into the text. But with them, clarity emerges, and God's progressive revelation becomes plain: Israel's promises remain, while the Body of Christ has its distinct calling. In short, context and comparing scripture with scripture protects truth, sharpens understanding, and preserves God's intended message.

Grace and Peace.

Hi Richard,

Thank you so much for the study and work you are sharing with us on the assurance of salvation. I for one appreciate what you are sharing as this is probably the most important and crucial topic that leaves no room for error.

You bring up John 3:16, and if I may share this with you, not to discredit anything you have presented thus far, but something that may (or may not) be helpful to yourself and others, and also something we don't catch from our English translation. I hope that this might in some way fit in with the salvation topic you are sharing.

In John 3:16, where it says "whosoever believeth in Him should not perish," it is literally whosoever believeth (into) Him should not perish. This is something we don't catch from our English text, but the Greek text brings this out for us.

The Greek text uses the preposition EIS which means into. It reads, "Ho pisteuon eis auton" which translates to "the one believing INTO Him." Why is this important? It is important because believing in Jesus is not enough, and there are some that say all you need to do is believe in Him and you are saved. Some even use John 3:16 because it says whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life (Salvation).

However, a person can believe in Jesus and still never surrender their life to Him. So, belief alone in Him does not bring salvation. We are told in James 2:19 that even the demons believe and are trembling. A person must believe into Him. That's how the Greek text reads.

Anyway, thank you again for sharing this, and I look forward to reading more from you on this very important topic.

God Bless!!!

Page 2.

Then the obvious questions: does God use His Foreknowledge in determining who hears the Gospel message, who must respond to His Call to salvation (i.e. to His chosen/elect), and the elimination of all who are not so appointed? This is where the understanding of God's Love must be brought in, for if we believe that God loves all of us, in spite of our apathy to Him and rejection of Him, we can never appreciate the extension of that Love (persistent Love) "who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." If you believe in such a Love that God has, as I do, and that He is indeed an Omniscient God, why then should God detach that Love (which Love is God personified), from anything else He does, even from His Foreknowledge? If some believe that God randomly selects some to be saved, and others not, is this Love in action? Or even, that those whom God as destined to not be saved and to suffer His punishment, is actually God loving them to their eternal death?

Then we could go on to discuss "Total Depravity", or the incapability of a lost, wretched, sin-bound person to even be convicted, repent & turn to God. If we look at Ephesians 2:1-5 or Colossians 2:13, referring to sinners being dead in their sin (spiritually dead), it is clear that our lives are so overcome by sin that we are separated totally from a Holy Righteous God. But can that unregenerate sinner still not, under the working of the Holy Spirit, not realize his folly and turn to the Lord? He might be spiritually dead but his spirit is still alive - if not, he must be physically dead ( James 2:26). So that spiritual deadness doesn't preclude the sinner from still realizing the gravity of his sinful condition, but that deadness keeps him separate from God, until that spark of serious contemplation of his life is taken hold of by the Spirit of God, which leads him to repentance and faith. Onto Page 3.

Amen Lbooth1955. Thanks for that added information on the distribution of Tithes. As well, your original question could be extended to: 'If tithing is not required by those under the New Covenant, what of those Laws, including the Decalogue that were given solely to Israel to introduce them to God's Holy requirements, as they found freedom from Egyptian bondage & to be settled in the Promised Land?'

Many believers maintain that we need to obey the Decalogue, in spite of the condemnation that it brings when we fail to "keep the whole law" ( James 2:10). I sense that these folk are considering this subject at the superficial level, i.e. God has spoken, and "the Law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good" ( Romans 7:12), so it remains current & very much applicable for us today to follow. And this would, or should, include keeping the Sabbath, which strangely very few do. And let's not include circumcision.

Whereas, like the Tithes and the hundreds of commandments, ceremonial laws, & the sacrificial system given to Israel to follow and perform meticulously, none of it bears upon us in Christ in any way, to us who have been given new life, under a new abiding Covenant, and God's eternal and comprehensive Laws directed to each of our hearts by His Holy Spirit. Israel of old determined their actions according to the Law that they were given, which then affected their conscience and sacrifice was made each year. Our actions & responses are according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit, which go far far beyond anything that the Old Law could ever do: it only brought condemnation and then the need for sacrifices to stay God's Hand of Judgement. Animal sacrifices were temporary and weak at best; but the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God is eternal and completely forgives and justifies ( Acts 13:38,39; Romans 3:23-28). Just thought to give a little addendum to your original question. Blessings.

Greetings

James 2:21 "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?"

James 2:22 "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"

Hebrews 10:24 "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:"

Blessings

Greetings

James 2:14-17

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food," "And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

Bleesings

James 2:26

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Blessings

PG2

4. No Knowledge of the Mystery Program Yet

Peter and the 11 did not yet know the mystery of the Body of Christ, which was revealed later to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9). They were not ministering to Gentiles broadly, nor were they preaching salvation by grace through faith apart from works. Their gospel was faith plus works ( James 2:24) and included water baptism as part of obedience.

Summary:

Peter and the 11 baptized because they were ministering to Israel under the kingdom program.

Baptism was a sign of repentance and preparation for entrance into the earthly kingdom promised in prophecy.

This was before the dispensation of grace was revealed to Paul, and it reflects a different administration (dispensation) in God's plan.

One can't merge the earthly kingdom promised in prophecy with the mystery that had not yet been revealed in the Gospels and early Acts.

I believe this is the KEY.

God Bless...

Page 1.

Thanks Lbooth1955 for your reply.

Re: Acts 2:38. I believe that the inclusion of baptism in his Gospel message, was simply Peter's obedience to the Lord's command given to him (as also given to the other apostles), shown in Matthew 28:20,21: 'to go, teach, baptize'. Anything less would have meant disobedience. And even Paul continued to follow this practise declaring in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16. It is true, that Paul stated that "Christ sent him not to baptise, but to preach.." and yet he baptized. So, it should be understood that baptizing believers was left to others (the Church?) to perform while Paul focussed himself more on preaching the Gospel. Probably similar to an evangelist (e.g. the late Billy Graham), who makes preaching his primary work and left the counseling and baptism of new believers to others.

And for James 2:17-26, it is understood that he didn't support faith + works required for salvation, rather his message here is from verse 14. He questions the authenticity of one's faith, where works resulting from that faith is absent. And he gives the example of a fellow-believer found in a destitute condition. Can a true believer lovingly tell that poor soul, 'God bless you brother - I will pray for you that God provide for your needs'? Rather, the saving faith that is in us, by the Holy Spirit, urges us to render all support necessary, being the very hands of compassion & provision to that needy one. So, the examples of Abraham & Rahab are valid, except their faith was not based on the Gospel, but their belief in God working out His purposes, resulting in their works revealing their faith in Him. Onto Page 2.

James 2:21

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?"

James 2:22

"Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"

Blessings

Hi Chris,

regarding your comment..."Jew and Gentile could only be accepted by God by turning away (repentance) and faith (in Christ alone & nothing else) for their salvation"

I believe this to be partly true... 2 examples are...

Peter and James,

Key apostles to the circumcision, emphasized faith but also included works in their message. In Acts 2:38, Peter calls for repentance and baptism for remission of sins. James 2:17-26 stresses that faith without works is dead, using Abraham and Rahab as examples. Their message aligns with the Jewish Kingdom gospel, where obedience and works were expressions of living faith, distinct from Paul's gospel of grace through faith alone.

My friend, anything that adds to GRACE ALONE is a WORK and is directly associated with the KINGDOM GOSPEL.

page 2

The Importance of Slowing Down

In contrast to quick or superficial Bible reading, a slow and careful study focuses on the context, grammar, historical background, and authorial intent of each passage. This method pays attention to words like "but," "therefore," "now," and "mystery," recognizing that each word was inspired by God ( 2 Timothy 3:16).

By slowing down, we allow the Bible to interpret itself. Instead of forcing a passage to fit a preconceived theology, we ask: What does the text actually say? What does the context reveal? Who is being addressed-Israel, the Gentiles, or the Church, the Body of Christ? What covenant or dispensation is in view?

A rushed reading can lead to confusion, especially when Scriptures appear to contradict one another. But when taken slowly and rightly divided, these "contradictions" often vanish, and the harmony of Scripture becomes evident.

Apparent Contradictions in Scripture: Real or Resolved?

Let's explore some commonly cited examples of biblical "contradictions" that, when studied slowly and without denominational bias, reveal deeper understanding:

1. Faith vs. Works for Salvation

James 2:24 - "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."

Romans 4:5 - "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."

At first glance, these verses seem to contradict each other. One speaks of justification by works, the other by faith without works.

But when we consider audience and context, the contradiction disappears.

James was writing to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1)-believing Jews under the kingdom program, where works demonstrated living faith (see Matthew 5-7).

Paul was writing to Gentiles in the body of Christ, saved under the gospel of grace, where faith alone justifies apart from the law.

Different programs, different audiences, different purposes-but no contradiction.

Many believers struggle to understand the Bible because they read it through the lens of denominational traditions.

These traditions, though well-meaning, can act as blinders-limiting our understanding and sometimes causing confusion when scriptures appear to contradict one another. However, when we remove these filters and approach the Bible slowly, word by word, we begin to see the harmony and clarity within God's Word.

Taking the Bible slowly means paying close attention to context, audience, and key words. It allows the Scriptures to interpret themselves without forcing preconceived doctrines onto the text. For example, while James 2:24 and Romans 4:5 seem to disagree on faith and works, rightly dividing the Word reveals that James was addressing believing Jews under the law, while Paul was teaching salvation by grace to the Gentile church.

Paul emphasized "rightly dividing the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15), meaning we must distinguish between God's dealings with Israel and the Church. The gospel of the kingdom, preached by Jesus and the Twelve, differs from the gospel of grace revealed to Paul. Recognizing this prevents confusion and helps us understand God's unfolding plan across different dispensations.

Studying slowly and without denominational bias allows believers to grasp deep truths and spiritual unity, avoiding the contradictions that arise when different programs/dispensations in Scripture are blended. God's Word becomes clearer, not by changing it, but by letting it speak for itself.

James 2:26

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Blessings

James 2:14

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"

Blessings

Dear God Father in Heaven, You who see all things. We humbly pray Lord that You look upon "Mandykaylee"s family, that You strengthen them all in spirit, soul and body. No one but You Jesus can give such strength. We pray for salvation and surrender to those in the family who need it. Thank you Lord Jesus. That they may all come to the knowledge of the truth and be delivered from the evil of this world. Eph 6:12 In Jesus' Name we pray. Thank You for doing so, then all will be well Jesus. Amanda asks for strength and power to endure, we pray that You will give her great strength so that she can continue the good work. We pray that the chains of fear will be loosed from Amanda and we cast these chains of fear into the deepest darkness, we bind them there in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Be free and cleansed, in Jesus Christ's Holy Name, Amen James 2:19 Thank You Jesus that You have all power in Heaven and on Earth. Matthew 28:18 Thank You for answering prayers in Jesus Christ Holy Name, Amen. Be of good courage and exceedingly strong and courageous. Love u in Christ

Romans 3:31

"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Blessings

Hello again Forgiven forever. May you be encouraged from what has been shared with you here to truly wait upon the Lord, for His Spirit Who has touched your heart to seek Him earnestly after the long spell away from Him. There is nothing more wonderful than to be resting with great assurance in the joy & blessing of God, and knowing His ministry in your life when things don't always go the way you would like or when feelings of anxiousness or fear arise. Our LORD is indeed the great Healer & Sustainer, Who promises to never leave us - wherever we go & in all we do, He is with us & in us. Stay close to Him by faith, reading His precious Word and talking to Him at any time (both in praise & prayer).

Just a short note to your question, whether Romans 2:13 "would be considered works?" To understand what the apostle Paul was writing about, one would need to at least read all of chapters 2 & 3 of Romans. In chapter 2, Paul was addressing both Jew and Gentile believers in Rome, but turns his attention to the Jews in the Church ( Romans 2:17). There were some there that maintained adherence to the Old Testament Laws given to Israel, to which Paul asked 'if you preach adherence to the Law, then how well do you keep that Law, for only those who can keep it perfectly will be accepted by God'. Of course, the expected response would be, 'we can't keep the Law perfectly'; even as James 2:10 states, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

So Paul goes on in Romans chap 3 to give the answer. Romans 3:19,20: the Law applies to those under it and by keeping the Law (even imperfectly), no one, Jew nor Gentile, can be justified before God. So Paul's conclusion ( Romans 3:28: "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law). So, not only keeping the Law, but doing any good that tries to supplement Faith in God through Jesus, would be Works - and Works & Faith don't mix ( Galatians 3:19-26).

The Kingdom Gospel preached by Peter and the Grace Gospel revealed through Paul represent two distinct programs in God's redemptive plan.

1. Peter's Kingdom Gospel (Faith + Works) - For Israel and the Little Flock

Peter's message centered on Israel's prophetic hope, the coming earthly kingdom, and the Messiahship of Jesus. This gospel required faith in Jesus as the Messiah, but it also included repentance, water baptism, and adherence to the law, as seen in Acts 2:38:

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." ( Acts 2:38, KJV)

Key elements:

Audience: Jews (especially "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" - Matthew 10:5-6)

Content: Jesus is the promised Messiah; repent and be baptized.

Requirement: Faith plus works (baptism, continued obedience).

Goal: Entry into the earthly kingdom promised to Israel ( Luke 12:32 - "little flock").

James 2:24 supports this...

"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."

This shows that under the Kingdom Gospel, works confirmed faith for salvation, especially for the Jewish remnant.

2. Paul's Grace Gospel (Faith Alone) - For the Body of Christ

Paul preached a new, previously hidden "mystery" gospel revealed to him by Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-9). This message was not based on Israel's covenants or prophecy, but on grace alone through faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Key elements:

Audience: All (Jew and Gentile alike), forming the Body of Christ.

Content: Christ died for our sins and rose again.

Requirement: Faith alone (no works, no law, no baptism required for salvation).

Goal: Salvation unto a heavenly inheritance ( Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 1:3).

Romans 4:5 is definitive:

"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is

Did they both preach Jesus as Savior, of course, but the requirements for salvation changed with Paul.

Hello Chris,

Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.

That would be like trying to mix oil and water.

PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW

Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)

Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)

Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises

Supporting Scriptures:

Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"

Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"

Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)

PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS

Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)

Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)

Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)

Supporting Scriptures:

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"

Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"

Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"

Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):

Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.

Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.

Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.

thanks again, God Bless!

(James Part 10):

James 2:15 - If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

It says if a brother or sister be naked, that is, they have insufficient clothing. It doesn't mean that they are bare naked. It means that they have insufficient clothing. And destitute of daily food. The word food means nourishment. So, we're talking here about the necessities of life.

James 2:16 - And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

And one of you say unto them, and this is a traditional Jewish phrase, "Depart in peace," that's Shalom, be ye warmed and filled; You say this, notwithstanding you give them not those things which are needful to the body; so, what does it profit?

You see, if a poor person comes in that's not clothed properly for the winter, or just doesn't have proper clothing, and maybe needs food, he's talking to believers because their whole value system has been corrupted. "Well, I'll say a prayer for you, okay? I'll pray that God provides warmth and food for you along the way." And then you go over to the rich person and spend all your time with the rich person, showing favoritism. What is the benefit of this?

James 2:17 - Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Even so faith, if it has not works (that is, activity), is dead, being alone. It's dead faith. That means it's not living. It's not alive. If you put a Geiger counter up to their heart, the needle wouldn't even move!

(James Part 9c):

James 2:14 Continued

In our culture and society down through the years, we somehow got all messed up, and now we're on a works trip. Some people teach that "If you have enough faith to believe, God will bless you." What a trap! They hold seminars and charge a lot of money per person on how to have enough faith to get rich.

But in the meantime, while you're trying to figure that out and they are taking your money, they're becoming rich. Do you see how that works? They show up in their expensive suits and rings and they say look at me. You can have these things too. This shows success that what I'm about to teach you works because look, it works for me!

And people fall for this, and they show up. It's like look at this guy. See how rich he is. If it works for him it's got to work for me. I'll pay the money for this. It's just the opposite of what the scripture says. But we choose to believe it because we get in debt, and we get in hardships, and there's things that we want that we can't get, and it appeals to us just like it did to the poor Jewish believers who had nothing.