Re: James 1.1 and 2.1.
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2019 3:18 pm
In Galatians, Paul was arguing vehemently against the influence of some who were encouraging his Gentile followers to become circumcised. In these two passages, he is warning those who might be considering the knife, warning them of the full burden of the Mosaic rituals that would accompany that choice (from his perspective) ---
And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. (Galatians 5:3)
For as many as are of works of the Law are under a curse, for it has been written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue all things having been written in the book of the Law, to do them." (Galatians 3:10)
For as many as are of works of the Law are under a curse, for it has been written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue all things having been written in the book of the Law, to do them." (Galatians 3:10)
But in the following passages, Paul is addressing his Gentile Galatians and assuming faith in Jesus Christ ---
In freedom (ἐλευθερίᾳ) Christ has set us free … (Galatians 5:1)
For the entire Law is fulfilled in this one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)
For the entire Law is fulfilled in this one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)
I wonder if the following passage in James was intended to clarify what might be seen as a much too narrow statement of the requirements in the verse above from Paul. Moral issues are addressed here, not Mosaic rituals ---
If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom (ἐλευθερίας). (James 2:8-12)
Paul also provided a wider scope of moral and behavioral requirements for his Gentile believers in Galatians 5:19-21.