Heb 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace, Jos 2:1-13
The story of Rahab is a fascinating story as read in Joshua 2. You read of her works before her faith is noted. Years later, two apostles revisit her story in reference to faith and works, and they almost seem to contradict each other. The question has always been, what gave birth to what?
The truth is, Paul and James are not contradicting each other, we need to harmonize the truth of both verses. How do we therefore reconcile the above verse that seem to contradict Jam 2:25 “Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers …?” Here is how harmonize them. Heb 11, highlights Rahab’s justification by faith alone, and James highlights the evidence of her faith as justified by works before men.
Faith produces works. Works validates faith. If you have faith, it will be seen by your works. It is not Faith PLUS works, It’s faith THAT works. Rahab good works displayed first to the spies was a result of her faith in God before she acted.