James 2:24

The use of the plural "you" in this verse in the Greek text shows that James had completed his response to the objector. He was now addressing his readers directly again (cf. James 2:14-17).

Works declare us righteous (Gr. present passive indicative of dikaioo) in the sense that our works testify to onlookers that we have exercised saving faith. They are the external fruit that bears witness to the eternal life within. "You see . . . by [his] works." However, James previously said that not every believer will bear visible fruit (James 2:17; cf. John 15:2). Such a believer’s faith is not productive but "dead." Nevertheless he has faith. Some unbelievers appear to bear the fruit of saving faith, but God will one day expose their "wheat" as "tares" (Matthew 13:30).

". . . Paul and James are best understood as addressing quite dissimilar situations . . . Whereas Paul’s audience is in danger of relying on ’works’ for salvation, James’ readers are excusing themselves from good works, thereby showing only a faith that is dead . . ." [Note: Martin, p. 95.]

One writer argued for the view that the vindication in view here is universal and is stated in a salvific context. [Note: C. Ryan Jenkins, "Faith and Works in Paul and James," Bibliotheca Sacra 159:633 (January-March 2002):62-78.] My view is that the vindication is only before others and is not in a salvific context.