What caused James, Peter, and John to give Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship?
James, Cephas (Peter), and John gave Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship after they perceived the grace given to Paul. Once they understood Paul was on the right track concerning the Gentiles, they agreed, shook hands on it, and recognized the gospel division: Paul to the heathen, they to the Jew.
Les explains that James, Cephas (Peter), and John seemed to be pillars. When they finally perceived the grace given to Paul and comprehended that he was on the right track regarding the Gentiles, they gave in, agreed, and shook hands with Paul and Barnabas. They agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the heathen/Gentiles, while they would go to the Jew. Les notes this was pivotal: had Paul yielded to the Mosaic system, the gospel would have died, but God sovereignly prevented that.
More Questions
Who were the 'pillars' who gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship?
James, Peter (also called Cephas), and John, who were considered pillars, understood the grace given to Paul and gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship.
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.