Keraia
Galatians 2

Galatians 2:9

The Council at Jerusalem · Galatians 2:1–10
Read Galatians 2

Translations

Modern
And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…and having known the grace having been given to me, James and Cephas and John, those esteemed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we are unto the Gentiles, but they unto the circumcision,
Latin
…et cum cognovissent gratiam, quæ data est mihi, Jacobus, et Cephas, et Joannes, qui videbantur columnæ esse, dextras dederunt mihi, et Barnabæ societatis: ut nos in gentes, ipsi autem in circumcisionem:

Original

Greek
English
And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.

Notes

Galatians 2:9

  • James: To learn more about James, who was the brother of Jesus. See "James, Brother of Jesus" Profile.

  • they gave me and Barnabas a right hand of fellowship: This symbolic handshake showed full acceptance of Paul, Barnabas, their work, and their message.

Galatians 2:6–10

Paul's message agreed with the Jerusalem apostles, but their approval did not give Paul his authority (1:12, 16–20).

Galatians 2:1–10

When Paul visited Jerusalem for the second time, the other apostles agreed that what he was teaching was correct. According to tradition, Paul was writing about the important meeting of church leaders described in Acts 15:1–41. However, it is more likely that Paul was talking about his earlier visit to Jerusalem (Acts 11:30; 12:25; see Galatians Book Introduction, "Date of Writing").

Galatians 1:11–2:21

The Judaizers (people who insisted on following Jewish customs) came to Galatia. They preached that both faith and circumcision were necessary. They questioned Paul's authority as an apostle and tried to discredit his message. Paul defended his authority by showing that past events proved his message was the true good news.

Galatians 1:1–2:21

Some people were against Paul and questioned whether he was a true apostle. They did not believe he was honest and did not think he had the right to be a leader in the church. So Paul begins his letter by explaining that he really was an apostle with authority from God.

Parallels

Acts 15:5–21

People

Barnabas: A Levite from Cyprus who accompanied Paul on missionary journeys James: Jesus' brother, leader in the Jerusalem church John: Apostle and son of Zebedee Peter: Apostle of Jesus, leader in the early church

Glossary

Antioch of Syria Beloved Disciple Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Circumcision Faith Gospel James (Person) John Mark John, the Apostle Judaizers Letter to the Galatians Paul the Apostle Peter, the Apostle Right Hand

Topics

Barnabas is Sent As an Emissary to Jerusalem Christian Minister: Preach Without Authority Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Circumcision: A Designation of the Jews Circumcision: The Jews: Denominated By Communion of Saints is With: Each Other Fellowship of the Righteous Grace: Specially Given: To Ministers James: An Apostle: Brother of Jesus John: The Apostle: A Pillar of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) Law: Temporary Missionary Work by Ministers: Harmony should Subsist Amongst Those Engaged In Peter: Receives Paul Pillars: Ministers The Gospel: Preached to The Gentiles The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship