“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.”
James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized this grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the Jews. — the 'right hand of fellowship' ('dexias koinōnias') formally ratifies Paul's apostolic mission; the Jerusalem leaders ('stuloi' — pillars) recognize and affirm the grace that authorized his gospel.
Church Fathers on Galatians 2:9
“And when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship.” He says not when they “heard,” but when they “perceived,” that is, were assured by the facts themselves, “they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship.” Observe how he gradually proves that his doctrine was ratified both by Christ and by the Apostles. For grace would neither have been…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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