The Book of James and Paul’s writings cannot be reconciled; James means exactly what he said: I show my faith by my works. James is talking about keeping the Old Testament Law when he says, “faith without works is dead.” James did not know Greek well, whereas Paul was the scholar. According to the meaning of Greek word “pistis,” you cannot have faith without action that is based upon a promise of God. Acts 21. VF-0390. © Copyright 1984.