Why did the Jerusalem pillars give Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship?
The Jerusalem pillars gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship because they perceived the grace given to Paul and recognized that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to him for the Gentiles. They agreed Paul and Barnabas should go to the heathen, while they went to the circumcision.
Les teaches that when Peter, James, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace given to Paul, they gave the right hands of fellowship. This was decided in 51 A.D., thirteen years after Peter had gone to Cornelius. At that time Jewish believers in Jerusalem still maintained Gentiles could not be saved unless they became proselytes of Judaism, but Paul stood his ground. The agreement was that Paul and Barnabas would go to the heathen, and the Jerusalem leaders would go through circumcision. Les explains that we can thank God for this tremendous gospel of grace because Paul did not give in.
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.
What did James, Peter, and John agree with Paul and Barnabas about when they gave the right hands of fellowship?
When James, Peter, and John gave Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, they agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the Gentiles, the heathen, while James, Peter, and John would go to the Jew. This was the hands-on agreement they shook hands over, dividing their ministries.
What did the Jerusalem pillars do after recognizing the grace given to Paul?
When Peter, James, and John—the pillars—perceived the grace given to Paul, they extended the right hands of fellowship to him and Barnabas. They agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the Gentiles, while they themselves would go to the circumcision.
More Questions
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.
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.
What did the Jerusalem pillars perceive about Paul's apostleship?
The Jerusalem pillars recognized the grace given to Paul because the Lord opened their eyes to his unique apostleship, which they could not share but only acknowledge.