James was a Jew who wrote to Jews under the Mosaic Law, James 1:1. As he was under the gospel of the kingdom, faith plus works were bound together for Jews. Salvation by faith alone (the gospel of grace later by Paul) was unknown to the Jews at that time.
It was unknown to everyone until Luther invented it.
Luther wrote Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ???
Luther didn't invent it. He recognized that the RCC was hiding it and he made it known to the believers.
Luther added the word "alone" to Romans 3:28. Yes, faith has to come first, but as Christ pointed out to the rich young man, works must follow.
