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Originally Posted by n david
Sure it does. James doesn't address them as "brethren." IN FACT, he beings verse one with "My brethren" and then verse two talks about these two guys going into "your (the brethren's) assembly." Elsewhere throughout James, he identifies others as brothers and sisters, but not the rich man or poor man.
I'm not the one trying to use this scripture to apply it to a situation, you are.
Again, James is not including the two visiting men in this. Remember, verse one is addressed to "My brethren," and verse two talked about these two guys coming in to "your (the brethren's) assembly."
The "among yourselves" to which James is referring are the "My brethren" he addressed in verse one.
Here's a modern example: two visitors walk into a church. A group of people are gathered in a clique and began to (using the ESV) "make distinctions among themselves" about the visitors.
Also, why would the two in James be judging themselves? Makes no sense when you read it clearly.
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James wrote:
James 2:4 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
The elders/saints showing partiality towards the two in attendance are said to have, "made distinctions
among yourselves" by judging and showing partiality towards the rich brother over the poor brother. This couldn't be said if the two they judged were not brethren and counted among their number.
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No, I understand you just want something to try and use against those who prohibit beards from ministry.
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No. I'm only pointing out that it is a sin to show partially between brethren. Since a beard isn't a sin, like you said, such a standard unnecessarily divides the body, and makes brethren with facial hair second class Christians.
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