John Bengel Commentary - James 2:23 - 2:23

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John Bengel Commentary - James 2:23 - 2:23


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Jam 2:23. Ἐπληρώθη ἡ γραφὴ, the Scripture was fulfilled) The sense is here anticipated by Prolepsis,[28] for it was fulfilled before it was written: but at what part of Abraham’s time was it fulfilled? When he first believed, or afterwards, when he offered his son? At both times: but James especially refers to the time of the offering, since he is speaking of the state of Abraham after his justification: and to this the expression, he was called the friend of God, has reference; but from this he proves justification by works; from the former expression, justification by faith.-δὲ) I have found this particle in two Latin MSS. I mention this circumstance, lest other versions should increase the doubt respecting the genuine reading of the word.-καὶ φίλος Θεοῦ ἐκλήθη, and he was called the friend of God) This is the second part of the whole verse; for it has no reference in its connection to the verb was fulfilled. Abraham had already been the friend of God, before his death; and after his death he was so called by his posterity, 2Ch 20:7; and by God Himself, Isa 41:8. He was the friend, in an active sense, the lover of God, which has a reference to works; and in a passive sense, loved by God, which has a reference to justification by works. Both these senses, united together by the force of the relatives, are found also in Joh 15:14. In Hebrew it is אהב, which, in the passages cited, has an active sound, but a passive signification. At least the parallel words in Isaiah are, servant, elect, and friend; and in the Septuagint, ὃ ἠγάπησα, whom I loved, as in the passage quoted from 2 Chron. it is Τῷ ἨΓΑΠΗΜΈΝῼ ΣΟΥ, beloved by Thee. On which place also the Halle reviewers[29] remark, that Abraham is called by the Arabs as it were by a proper name, Alchalil, that is, the friend of God. So also Jdt 8:22, Abraham amicus Dei effectus est, though these words are not found in the Greek text.

[28] See, under the title AMPLIATIO, Append.

[29] Halle reviewers. The reference is to the “Memoirs of a Library at Halle,” a periodical publication under the superintendence of Baumgarten, printed in the years 1748-1751. It contains valuable information on the various editions of the New Testament. See Michaelis’ Introduction by Bp. Marsh.-T.