What was the division of ministry between Paul and the other apostles?
Paul and Barnabas were commissioned to preach to the Gentiles, while Peter, James, John, and the other apostles continued ministering to the circumcision, the Jews. They confirmed this division with the right hand of fellowship, adding only that Paul should remember the poor.
Les explains that the seemingly pillar apostles perceived the grace given to Paul and recognized his unique apostleship to the Gentiles. They gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that Paul and Barnabas would go to the heathen/Gentiles while Peter, James, John, and the others would stay with the circumcision, the Jews. The agreement included that Gentile converts would not have to keep the law of Moses or practice circumcision, but they asked Paul to remember the poor, since many Jerusalem Jews had sold their property and become destitute.
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.