Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 2:25

"And in like manner was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?" — James 2:25 (ASV)

The second OT person cited as an example of genuine faith is “Rahab the prostitute.” She too was “considered righteous for what she did.” Although her faith was like that of Abraham, she was unlike the patriarch in almost every other way. She was a pagan, a woman, and a prostitute. Nevertheless, she chose to become identified with the people of Israel, a decision based on faith (cf. Joshua 2:8–13; Hebrews 11:31). Far from being dead or worthless, her faith moved her to risk her life to protect the spies. As a result, she was declared righteous. James does not give approval to Rahab’s former life; it is her living faith, seen against the background of her previous immorality, that he commends.