Study note

James 2:15–16

  • Suppose: In 2:2–4, James gives an example of "faith" that is useless.

  • without clothes and daily food: In first-century Palestine and the Roman world, many people who were poor lacked basic needs.

  • stay warm and well-fed: This probably assumes that God will provide for the poor. The speaker might think that believing it will happen is enough. But without action, it is just an empty hope.