Acts 26:20
20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
(KJV)
Some would have us believe that works have nothing to do with our walk in Christ Jesus after our having becoming a Christian. These Scriptures from the Apostle Paul reveal he taught the same idea that James did that faith without good works is dead.
That phrase by Apostle Paul to do "works meet for repentance" is 'ergon axios ho metanoia' in the Greek. The word 'axios' is of import because it defines those works as worthy or befitting of repentance. Notice Paul claimed he preached that also to the Gentiles, and not just to those of Israel.
Eph 2:10
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
(KJV)
Apostle Paul did a lot of preaching that none will be saved by their works, but only by Christ's shed Blood on the cross. But notice Paul still preached that the believer is to have works that show their repentance to Christ is deserving and worthy.
1 Tim 6:17-19
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
(KJV)
Paul also put into perspective the rich that follow Christ Jesus. They are also to be rich in good works for Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
(KJV)
To understand just what are 'good works' "meet for repentance", Paul made it clear that ALL Scripture in God's Word is our help in that. That's how we can know what we should do, and what we should not do.
Titus 1:15-16
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
(KJV)
There Apostle Paul reveals how the works of those with a defiled conscience serves as a sign of their being a reprobate. The word "reprobate" is Greek 'adokimos' and means 'unapproved, not standing the test' (Strong's no.96). It is the very same Greek word Paul used in Romans 1:28-32 about those who do the kind of works that are worthy of death.
Titus 2:6-7
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
(KJV)
Paul admonishes young men to be sincere and sober minded, and show themselves as a pattern of good works.
Titus 2:13-14
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
(KJV)
One of the attributes of believers on Christ Jesus as a peculiar people to God is our being zealous of good works.
Titus 3:7-8
7 That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
(KJV)
Note how Apostle Paul makes a distinction between being justified by God's grace through His Son, and at the same time being careful to maintain good works. Paul says we are to affirm both those things constantly. When we preach Christ crucified, we are also to preach being careful to maintain good works.
(The preacher at the Protestant Church I grew up in had no problem preaching for us to have good works, nor did he have a problem with pointing out evil works that some in the congregation were guilty of. Each Sunday he went into both categories, admonishing good works and rebuking evil works, all according to God's Word.)
Was Apostle James preaching something different than Paul? No. James simply presented it in a different fashioin...
James 2:14-20
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, "Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled"; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James gave a clear example of how one's works or fruit reveals whether they are a 'reprobate', or a follower of Christ being careful to maintain good works. If a destitute unbeliever in need comes up to us for help, and all we say to them is something like, "Believe on Christ Jesus and you'll be saved!", and do nothing more to help them out of their condition, then that is faith without works. It is faith by itself, alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, "Thou hast faith, and I have works": shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Some may try to separate faith from works, like one has only faith while the other has works. In actuality, our Faith should be revealed to others BY our good works in Christ Jesus. That's all James is saying. It's the same idea our Lord Jesus taught that you don't light a candle and put it under the bed, but upon a table so that all in the room may have light. Thus let your light so show before men; that's about showing good works for Christ, setting an example for others.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
(KJV)
James' manner of speaking is very direct and to the point. There he compares the mere idea of belief in God to how the devils also believe in God. But what makes our Christian belief in God and His Son different from devils is our good works in Christ Jesus, producing fruit for Him. The fruit you produce defines Who and what you follow.