Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Rahab's act was such that it cannot be quoted to prove justification by works as such. She believed assuredly what her other countrymen disbelieved, and this in the face of every improbability that an unwarlike few would conquer well-armed numbers. In this belief she hid the spies at the risk of her life. Hence, Hebrews 11:31 names this as an example of faith, rather than of obedience. "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not." If an instance of obedience were wanting, Paul and James would hardly have quoted a woman of previously bad character, rather than the many moral and pious patriarchs. But as an example of grace justifying men through an operative, as opposed to a mere verbal faith, none could be more suitable than a saved "harlot." As Abraham was an instance of an illustrious man, the father of the Jews, so Rahab is quoted as a woman, one of abandoned character, and a Gentile showing that justifying faith has been manifested in those of every class. The nature of the works alleged is such as to prove that James uses them only as evidences of faith, contrasted with a mere verbal profession: not works of charity and piety, but works the value of which consisted solely in their being proofs of faith: they were faith expressed in act, synonymous with faith itself. The consequent is put for the antecedent. We are justified by works because we are justified by faith, which always works. Our justification by works is the fruit and natural necessary development of our justification once for all by faith. So Romans 1:17, "the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith."
Messengers - spies.
Had received ... had sent, х hupodexamenee (G5264) ... ekbalousa (G1544)] - 'received ... thrust them forth' (in haste and fear) (Alford).
By another way - from that whereby they entered her house; namely, through the window of her house on the wall, and thence to the mountain.