history of interpretation (see III). These discussions will be assumed here rather than repeated. Despite the very knotty exegetical problems posed especially by 2:18, the basic points made by James are clear enough and entirely consistent with his overall argument. He opens with the question of usefulness but ends with the question of living or dead. Both questions are actually addressed to the authenticity of faith that is professed but is not demonstrated in deeds (= erga = works). As the notes