“Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?”
Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? — the wealthy's blasphemy (blasphēmeō) against the name of Christ is paralleled in their treatment of the poor who bear his name, suggesting that social cruelty constitutes a form of contempt toward Christ himself. To dishonor the marginal is to dishonor the 'noble name' (kalon onoma) that the believers bear. This verse establishes that the question of partiality is not merely a matter of social justice but of theological loyalty.
Church Fathers on James 2:7
But we must remember whence that sentence is taken, and what goes before it, and in what connection it occurs. My brethren, he says, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, with respect of persons. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and you have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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