How did Paul and Barnabas divide the mission field with the Jerusalem apostles?
According to Galatians 2:9, when James, Cephas (Peter), and John perceived the grace given to Paul, they gave Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship. They agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the heathen (Gentiles), while the Jerusalem apostles would go to the Jew.
Les explains that in Galatians 2:9, James, Cephas (Peter), and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to Paul. They gave to Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, meaning they finally comprehended that Paul was on the right track regarding the Gentiles and said, "Okay, we'll agree." The agreement was plain: Paul and Barnabas would go to the heathen, that is, the Gentiles, while the Jerusalem apostles would go to the Jew. Les notes this was a pivotal moment, because if Paul had given in to the Jewish leaders' demand that Gentile believers subject themselves to the Mosaic system, the gospel would have died; but God sovereignly preserved it, and the truth of the gospel continued.