This letter was called a "right strawy epistle" by Martin Luther. Clearly he failed to understand the letter! The reason for his remarks were that the letter is very practical in what it says. A very superficial reading may lead one to think James is at odds with Paul. James believed in action, Paul in faith, but in reality there is no conflict at all.
James is the brother of Jesus, probably the eldest brother. He is not the apostle James, for he was killed by about 44 AD (Acts 12:2). James was initially opposed to Jesus, or at least definitely not for Him, not understanding Him. Clearly he later did believe, and was one of those who Jesus appeared to (1 Cor 15:7). He was a very prominent leader in the Jerusalem church.
The letter was probably written to Jewish Christians, and is an intensely practical letter. For centuries the Jews had considered themselves saved by virtue of simply being Jews. James is perhaps at pains to make sure that they do not proceed to make the same mistake, thinking that giving themselves the label Christian is enough.
Anyone who believes in "salvation by faith alone" (among which I include myself) does well to pay close attention to this letter. Any notion of salvation that does not result in practical changes in our lives is seriously in error.
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