Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 87:2 (Fall 2025)
Article: The Boast Of Faith: Peering Through An Under-Utilized Lens For James
Author: Brandon D. Crowe

WTJ 87:1 (Spring 2025) p. 149

The Boast Of Faith: Peering Through An Under-Utilized Lens For James

Brandon D. Crowe

Brandon D. Crowe is Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. This article is adapted from the annual Herrell Lecture he presented at Westminster Theological Seminary on October 9, 2024. The author extends special thanks to Roger and Genie Herrell for the opportunity to serve as the Herrell Professor. Significant portions of this article derive from Brandon D. Crowe, James Revisited: Christology and Biblical Theology in the Letter of James (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, forthcoming), and Crowe, James, Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Logos, forthcoming). Used with permission.

This article considers the theology of James through the theme of boasting as a central thread connecting faith, works, and maturity. Rather than viewing boasting merely as pride, James distinguishes between false boasting in self and true boasting in the Lord. Key passages such as Jas 1:9–10, 2:13–18, 3:5–14, and 4:16–17 reveal this contrast: the lowly are called to boast in their exaltation, while the rich must boast in their humiliation. Boasting thus becomes an expression of faith that depends entirely on God’s mercy rather than worldly status, wealth, or self-achievement.

This perspective aligns James with the broader biblical tradition, echoing Jeremiah’s call to “boast in the Lord” and reflecting Jesus’ teaching about the great reversal in the kingdom of God. It also reveals deep harmony between James and Paul, both of whom reject human pride and affirm that true faith excludes self-reliance.

Ultimately, the “boast of faith” is a boast in Christ—the Lord of glory—whose mercy triumphs over judgment. Such boasting is an act of humble confidence grounded in grace. Reading James through this lens reorients believers toward a mature faith that resists hypocrisy, embraces mercy, and lives with joyful dependence on the saving power of God.

The seminary’s mission is to help our students proclaim the whole counsel of God. Some portions of Scripture are more familiar than others. One of those texts that can be hard to interpret and apply is the letter of James. Today I want to discuss this letter, and hopefully help take some of the mystery out of this wonderful book of the Bible.

WTJ 87:1 (Spring 2025) p. 150

I. Introduction And Thesis

1. Historical Context

In the decades after the death and resurre...