James 2:1-4

Christianity Eliminates Partiality

Roberts points out that the Greek word for "respect of persons" literally means "face receiving." In other words, judging what kind of man one is by how he looks. Their problem was rich versus poor. Others have had the same type of problem with race, color, nationality, social status, etc. To be a true follower of God, one must not be a respecter of persons (Leviticus 19:15). As Woods notes, Christ was lowly while on earth but is now the "glorious Lord" (James 2:1).

Remember that Jesus studied with a ruler of the Jews (John 3:1-36); a Samaritan adulteress (John 4:1-54); and taught both the despised tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1-2). He commanded his followers to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15-16). The true disciple of the Lord will be concerned about the souls of all. He will also make every effort to treat each in a loving manner. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).

The gold-ringed man, as Woods says the Greek means, likely wore his rings in a way which would cause others to take notice. Likewise, his clothes were brightly colored so they would cause people to look. In contrast, the poor man wore cheap, perhaps dirty, clothes. The Christians James addressed had been directing the rich man to the place of honor. The poor man was told to stand or lay under the usher's footstool. In such a practice, they were actually being double-minded. They showed special favor to one over the other, which was against the Lord's teachings, yet claimed to follow the Lord. Thus, they were showing that they still judged men by the evil standard of the world (James 2:2-4).