āPartialityā literally is āface receivingā (Roberts). It occurs when one judges what kind of man someone 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 (James 2:1; Leviticus 19:15).
Jesus studied with a ruler of the Jews (John 3); a Samaritan adulteress (John 4); 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 make every effort to treat each in a loving manner. 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 likely wore his rings in a way which would cause others to take notice. His clothes were also brightly colored so they would cause people to look. The poor man, in contrast, 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. They were practicing a double-minded approach. 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).
The poor in this world are much more likely to have that rich faith which moves them to obey the gospel call (James 2:5). They do not have so much to give up. The rich young ruler wanted to follow Christ and inherit eternal life. Yet, he went away sorrowful instead of selling all he had and giving the proceeds to the poor (Matthew 19:16-22; 1 Timothy 6:8-19; Luke 12:13-21). All people are called by the gospel (Matthew 11:28-30; Revelation 22:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14), but the rich seldom accept the call (1 Corinthians 1:26-27).
Peter told the assembly in Corneliusā house, "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:34-35). The scattered Christians were not God-like when they honored the rich while treating the poor despitefully. It was the rich who crushed Christians, dragging them into court against their will and speaking against the name of Christ (James 2:6-7).
They might reply that they were only following the law, fit for kings, which said they should love their neighbor as themselves (Leviticus 19:18). It would have been fine if they really practiced that law without excluding a class of people. The law also forbade prejudice (Deuteronomy 16:19-20). "Commit sin" literally translated is you "work sinā (Woods). They apparently did not just slip into sin but intentionally practiced it (James 2:8-9).
James showed that one who breaks one part of the law of Moses is a law breaker and would stand condemned by the law. The law is taken as a unit because it all comes from one source, God. One stands condemned who violates one part, becoming a transgressor. Christians should speak and live as those who will be judged by the perfect law of liberty. We are free from the condemnation of sin in Christ (Romans 8:1-2). We should not abuse our freedom and return to bondage (James 2:10-12; Galatians 5:13-14).
Each person’s judgment will be based upon how he has dealt with others. If he has failed to show pity on those in need, he can expect no pity. Jesus’ parable of the judgment shows the importance of caring for the needs of others (Matthew 25:41-46; 18:23-35). Mercy will stand above judgment, so those who have been merciful have no need to fear (James 2:13; 1 John 4:16-18).
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