James 2:8. If. The connection has been variously understood. Some suppose that St. James is anticipating an objection of his readers, that by showing respect of persons to the rich, they were obeying the royal law, in loving their neighbour as themselves; others think that he is guarding his own argument from misinterpretation.

ye fulfil the royal law; the law which is the king of all laws, which includes in itself all other commandments. Others understand the expression, ‘the law which like the royal road is plain, straight and level;' others, ‘the law which proceeds from the great King,' whether God or Christ; and others, ‘the law which applies to kings as well as to other men.' But all these meanings are objectionable, because they do not discriminate this special precept. It is to be observed that love to our neighbour is not so much a single command as the principle of all true obedience; it is the chief of all laws; all other laws are its ministering servants. ‘All the law,' says St. Paul, ‘is fulfilled in one word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself' (Galatians 5:14).

according to the scripture; here not according to the Gospel the words of Jesus; but according to the law of Moses (Leviticus 19:18).

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well. For then it would follow that if you did so, you would not have this respect of persons.

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Old Testament