James 2:21–24 and the Justification of Abraham

Who of us has not wondered about the striking differences between what Paul says regarding Abraham's justification in Romans 4:1–3 and what James says regarding Abraham's justification in James 2:21–24? Paul declares that Abraham, like all true believers, was justified by faith apart from works. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.… What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has reason to boast—but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? " And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness " (Rom 3:28, 4:1–3). 1 It is commonly argued from these verses that Abraham's justification was sola fide, or by faith alone. 2 James, on the other hand, appears to argue for just the opposite. In fact, on the basis of the Old Testament 1 All translations are the author's own, unless otherwise noted. 2 The consensus among scholars is that this expression captures the essence of what Paul says in Rom 3:28–4:5 and elsewhere about justification. As Moo notes in his discussion of Rom 3:28, " Luther's famous addition of sola ('alone') to fide ('faith')—in which he was preceded by others, including Thomas Aquinas—brings out the true sense intended by Paul " (including a brief historical survey).