James 2 · a question people ask
"For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue" (2:2). Is the letter telling of something that had happened?
It sets the scene out with an if: "For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in," (2:2), and it ends the scene with a question: "haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?" (2:4). And 2:6 says, "But you have dishonored the poor man." (2:6). These notes say no more than these verses do.
The verses
“For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in, and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say, “Sit here in a good place;” and you tell the poor man, “Stand there,” or “Sit by my footstool” haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”
“But you have dishonored the poor man. Don’t the rich oppress you and personally drag you before the courts?”