Les Feldick Bible Study

What did James, Peter, and John agree with Paul and Barnabas about when they gave the right hands of fellowship?

When James, Peter, and John gave Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, they agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the Gentiles, the heathen, while James, Peter, and John would go to the Jew. This was the hands-on agreement they shook hands over, dividing their ministries.

Les explains that James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace given to Paul. They gave Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship—they shook hands—and the agreement was that Paul and Barnabas should go to the Gentiles, the heathen, while James, Peter, and John would go to the Jew. Les emphasizes how plain this is. He then connects it to Acts chapter three, where Peter still knows nothing but the covenant prophetic program promised to Israel. Peter calls God the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, which does not include Gentiles, and charges Israel with killing the prince of life.

Galatians 2:9

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

Why did James, Peter, and John give Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship?

James, Peter, and John gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship because they perceived or understood the grace that had been given to Paul.

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 Paul, Peter, James, and John agree about in Galatians 2?

The agreement between Paul and the Jerusalem apostles was that Paul and Barnabas would go to the Gentiles while Peter, James, and John would go to the Jews.

Does Galatians 2:9 mean Peter, James, and John went to the Gentiles?

Galatians 2:9 does not show Peter, James, and John going to the Gentiles; reading it that way means reading the English incorrectly.