6. Ye have condemned . . . the just--The Greek
aorist expresses, "Ye are accustomed to condemn . . .
the just." Their condemnation of Christ, "the Just," is foremost in
James' mind. But all the innocent blood shed, and to be shed, is
included, the Holy Spirit comprehending James himself, called "the
Just," who was slain in a tumult. See my
Introduction.
This gives a peculiar appropriateness to the expression in this verse,
the same "as the righteous (just) man"
(Jas 5:16).
The justice or righteousness of Jesus and His people is what peculiarly
provoked the ungodly great men of the world.
he doth not resist you--The very patience of the Just one is
abused by the wicked as an incentive to boldness in violent
persecution, as if they may do as they please with impunity. God doth
"resist the proud"
(Jas 4:6);
but Jesus as man, "as a sheep is dumb before the shearers, so He opened
not His mouth": so His people are meek under persecution. The day will
come when God will resist (literally, "set Himself in array against")
His foes and theirs.
JFB.
Picture Study Bible