Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

Psalm 116^[a]

¹⁵ Then Rahab^[a] let them down by a rope^[b] through the window. (Her^[c] house was built as part of the city wall; she lived in the wall.)^{[d] 16} She told them, “Head^[e] to the hill country, so the ones chasing you don’t find you.^[f] Hide from them there for three days, long enough for those chasing you^[g] to return. Then you can be on your way.” ¹⁷ The men said to her, “We are not bound by this oath you made us swear unless the following conditions are met:^{[h] 18} When we invade the land,^[i] tie this red rope^[j] in the window through which you let us down, and gather together in your house your father, mother, brothers, and all who live in your father’s house.^{[k] 19} Anyone who leaves your house will be responsible for his own death—we are innocent in that case!^[l] But if anyone with you in the house is harmed, we will be responsible.^{[m] 20} If you should report what we’ve been up to,^[n] we are not bound by this oath you made us swear.” ²¹ She said, “I agree to these conditions.”^[o] She sent them on their way^[p] and then tied the red rope in the window. ²² They went^[q] to the hill country and stayed there for three days, long enough for those chasing them^[r] to return. Their pursuers^[s] looked all along the way but did not find them.^{[t] 23} Then the two men returned—they came down from the hills, crossed the river,^[u] came to Joshua son of Nun, and reported to him all they had discovered. ²⁴ They told Joshua, “Surely the Lord is handing over all the land to us!^[v] All who live in the land are cringing before us!”^[w]

¹⁷ So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. ¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.”^[a] Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by^[b] my works. ¹⁹ You believe that God is one; well and good.^[c] Even the demons believe that—and tremble with fear.^[d]

²⁰ But would you like evidence,^[e] you empty fellow,^[f] that faith without works is useless?^{[g] 21} Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² You see that his faith was working together with his works and his faith was perfected by works. ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Now Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness,”^[h] and he was called God’s friend.^{[i] 24} You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. ²⁵ And similarly, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another way? ²⁶ For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.