What did James, Peter, and John perceive about Paul's apostleship?
James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace given to Paul, recognizing that he was now to be the primary apostle. They gave Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, agreeing that Paul and Barnabas should go to the Gentiles while they went to the Jews.
Les explains that James, Peter, and John “seemed” to be pillars, meaning they were not really, but they thought they were. When they perceived or understood the grace given to Paul—that is, that he was to be the primary apostle now—they gave Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship. They shook on the whole deal and all agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the heathen, that is, the Gentiles, the non-Jew, while James, Peter, and John would go to the Jew, to the circumcision. Les notes they could only go to the Jew a few more years, because the Romans would overrun Jerusalem and Israel would cease to be a viable entity, being scattered into every nation on earth.
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
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.
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.