How Does James Speak of the Law?

In 1:19–2:26, James develops his central theme: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). For James, overcoming temptations and persevering through trials centers on doing good works in light of “the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” Throughout this section, James repeatedly defines the standard of good works by the Law (James 1:25; 2:8, 2:9, 2:10, 2:11, 2:12; only elsewhere in James 4:11). He refers to it variously as the law of liberty or freedom, the royal law, or simply the law. What exactly does James by law in its...