The specific church in question probably is the local congregation, but it is interesting that James uses a term different from the “synagogue” (συναγωγή, synagōgē, gathering) that he mentions in 2:2. James’s word for “church” (ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia) is the one found elsewhere in the NT. It is derived from the Greek OT’s use of the term to refer to the qāhāl, the assembly of Israel, gathered for worship, consecration, or instruction (e.g., Deut. 9:10; 18:16). Thus, James probably is not speaking