How was the ministry divided between Paul and the Jerusalem leaders?
The Jerusalem leaders extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas, agreeing that Paul and Barnabas would go to the Gentiles while Peter, James, John, and the others continued to the circumcision, the Jews. They added that Paul should remember the poor, which was acceptable.
Les explains that those who seemed to be pillars perceived the grace given to Paul, recognizing his unique apostleship. They gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that Paul and Barnabas should go to the heathen, the Gentiles, while Peter, James, John, and the others would continue with the circumcision, the Jews. They added a condition: Paul should remember the poor. This referred to the destitute Jewish believers in Jerusalem who had sold all their property and whose common fund had run out after 20 years. God would not abandon them.
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 was the agreement reached at the Jerusalem council between Paul and the other apostles?
After the council at Jerusalem, the agreement was that Paul would continue his ministry among the Gentiles (and no longer be forced to practice legalism and circumcision), while Peter, James and John would continue dealing with the Jews.
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.