James 2:25

“Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot, etc.] (See Gill on “<581131>Hebrews 11:31”) justified by works; this woman was an instance of the grace of God in calling the chief of sinners, and was a true believer; and what she did, she did in faith, (<581131>Hebrews 11:31) and her faith was shown by her works to be true and genuine; and it was manifest that she was a justified person. This instance is produced with the other, to show, that wherever there is true faith, whether in Jew or Gentile, in man or woman, in greater or lesser believers, or in such who have been greater or lesser sinners, there will be good works; and therefore that person is a vain man that talks and boasts of his faith,…”

“It is clear from the nature of Rahab's act, that it is not quoted to prove justification by works as such. She believed assuredly what her other countrymen disbelieved, and this in the face of every improbability that an unwarlike few would conquer well-armed numbers. In this belief she hid the spies at the risk of her life. Hence Heb 11:31 names this as an example of faith, rather than of obedience. "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not." If an instance of obedience were wanting. Paul and James would hardly have quoted a woman of previously bad character, rather than the many moral and pious patriarchs. But as an example of free grace justifying men through an…”

“Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works? - In the same sense in which Abraham was, as explained above - showing by her act that her faith was genuine, and that it was not a mere cold and speculative assent to the truths of religion. Her act showed that she truly believed God. If that act had not been performed, the fact would have shown that her faith was not genuine, and she could not have been justified. God saw her faith as it was; he saw that it would produce acts of obedience, and he accepted her as righteous. The act which she performed was the public manifestation of her faith, the evidence that she was justified. See the case of Rahab fully explained in the notes at…”

“After Abraham, the father of the Jews, the apostle cites Rahab, a woman, and a sinner of the gentiles; to show, that in every nation and sex true faith produces works, and is perfected by them; that is, by the grace of God working in the believer, while he is showing his faith by his works. Next: James Chapter 3”

“2:25 James presents Rahab the prostitute (see Josh 2:1) as his second example of how good works must accompany genuine faith. She declared her belief that the Lord God of Israel was the only God (Josh 2:9-11), and her faith was made perfect by her actions when she provided hospitality and a means of escape to the Israelite spies (Josh 2:1-6; 6:25; Heb 11:31).”

“was: Jos 2:1; Mat 1:5 the harlot: Mat 21:31 justified: Jam 2:18, Jam 2:22 when: Jos 2:19-21, Jos 6:17, Jos 6:22-25; Heb 11:31 James 2:26”