James 1:18

By the word of truth. Some, with St. Athanasius, understand the eternal word made man. Others commonly understand the word of the gospel, by which we have been called to the true faith, &c. --- Some beginning [7] of his creatures, (or as the Greek signifies) such a beginning as are the first-fruits; and perhaps St. James may so call the Jews, as being the first converted to believe in Christ. (Witham)

[BIBLIOGRAPHY]

Initium aliquod creaturæ ejus, Greek: aparchen tina. See Romans xi. 16.; 1 Corinthians xv. 20. and xvi. 15. &c.