What was the meaning of the right hands of fellowship given to Paul and Barnabas in Galatians 2:9?
The right hands of fellowship signified a mutual agreement and recognition between Paul and Barnabas and the Jerusalem pillars. Shaking hands confirmed that God's grace had been given to Paul for the Gentiles, so Paul and Barnabas would go to the heathen while Peter, James, and John would go to the Jew.
Les teaches that in Galatians 2:7-9 the gospel of the uncircumcision, meaning the Gentiles, was committed to Paul, just as the gospel of the circumcision, the Jews, was committed to Peter. James, Peter, and John seemed to be pillars, the leadership role in Jerusalem. When they perceived the grace given to Paul, they gave him and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship—they shook hands in agreement. That agreement was that Paul and Barnabas should go to the heathen, the Gentiles, while Peter, James, and John would go to the Jew.
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
More Questions
Why did James, Peter, and John give Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship?
James, Peter, and John gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship because they perceived or understood the grace that had been given to Paul.
What did the 'right hands of fellowship' mean when the Jerusalem apostles gave them to Paul?
The right hands of fellowship that James, Peter, and John gave to Paul and Barnabas were their way of saying 'OK, we'll agree' once they finally understood that Paul was right about the Gentiles.
Who were the pillars in Galatians 2:9?
In Galatians 2:9, James, Peter, and John are described as seeming to be pillars, meaning they seemingly held the leadership role in Jerusalem.
What did the right hand of fellowship signify in Paul's meeting with the Jerusalem apostles?
The right hand of fellowship meant that the Jerusalem leaders had finally realized Paul was right about the Gentiles and now agreed with him.