>>I have never read anywhere in the bible where James continues to practice the Law.<<
There is an abundance of non-canonical material on James that points to him as a pious, practicing jew. See wheaton.edu for references.
For biblical references, see Acts 21:17-26, where Paul comes to town (Jerusalem) and James, the leader of the church there, explains to Paul that...
"You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law."
James then requires Paul to go through a purification ritual (required by the Law) to show that he repented for being slack about the Law.
bible.gospelcom.net
Next, look to Galations 2:12
Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.
bible.gospelcom.net
Here, James is obviously in favor of Jews separating themselves from the gentiles (as required by the Law), and his clique is referred to as "the circumcision group".
I hope you now realize that James did indeed continue to practice the Law. |
