Albert Barnes Commentary 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, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision;" — Galatians 2:9 (ASV)

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars. That is, pillars or supports in the church. The word rendered pillars, stuloi, means, properly, firm support; then persons of influence and authority, as in a church, or who support a church—as a pillar or column does an edifice. In regard to James, see the comments on Galatians 1:19.

Cephas or Peter was the most aged of the apostles and regarded as at the head of the apostolic college. John was the beloved disciple, and his influence in the church must necessarily have been great. Paul felt that if he had the support of these men, it would be an important proof to the churches of Galatia that he had a right to regard himself as an apostle. Their support was expressed in the fullest and most decisive manner.

Perceived the grace that was given unto me. That is, the favor that had been shown to me by the great Head of the church, in so abundantly blessing my labors among the Gentiles.

They gave unto me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship. The right hand, as a sign of fellowship or favor. They thus publicly acknowledged us as fellow laborers and expressed the utmost confidence in us. For us, giving the right hand is a sign of friendly greeting, and it seems that it was a mode of salutation not unknown in the times of the apostles. They were thus recognized as associated with the apostles in the great work of spreading the gospel around the world. Whether this was done in a public manner is not certainly known, but it was probably in the presence of the church, or possibly at the close of the council referred to in Acts 15.

That we should go unto the heathen. To preach the gospel and to establish churches. In this way, the whole matter was settled, and settled as Paul desired it to be. A delightful harmony was produced between Paul and the apostles at Jerusalem, and the result showed the wisdom of the course which he had adopted.

There had been no harsh contention or strife. No jealousies had been allowed to arise. Paul had sought an opportunity for a full statement of his views to them in private (Galatians 2:2), and they had been entirely satisfied that God had called him and Barnabas to the work of making known the gospel among the heathen.

Instead of being jealous of their success, they had rejoiced in it; and instead of throwing any obstacle in their way, they cordially gave them the right hand. How easy would it be always to prevent jealousies and strifes in the same way! If there were, on the one hand, the same readiness for a full and frank explanation, and if, on the other, the same freedom from envy at remarkable success, how many strifes that have disgraced the church might have been avoided!

The true way to avoid strife is just what is here proposed. Let there be on both sides perfect frankness; let there be a willingness to explain and state things just as they are; and let there be a disposition to rejoice in the talents, and zeal, and success of others, even though it should far outstrip our own, and contention in the church would cease, and every devoted and successful minister of the gospel would receive the right hand of fellowship from all—however venerable by age or authority—who love the cause of true religion.