The phrase “right hand of fellowship” appears in Galatians 2:9, which says: “and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” This verse refers to an important meeting between the apostle Paul and the leaders of the early church in Jerusalem. Let’s break down the meaning and significance of this verse:
The Context of Galatians 2
Galatians 2 describes a meeting between Paul and the “pillars” of the early church – James, Cephas (Peter), and John. Paul had been preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, and false teachers known as the Judaizers had infiltrated the Galatian churches, insisting that Gentile believers needed to follow the Law of Moses and be circumcised. Paul called these false teachers out, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not by works of the law.
In Galatians 2, Paul explains that he met with the Jerusalem apostles to make sure the gospel he was preaching aligned with theirs. He highlighted that the pillars of the church approved of his ministry to the Gentiles and affirmed that he had been entrusted with the true gospel. The right hand of fellowship was an important sign of their unity and endorsement of Paul’s calling.
The Significance of the “Right Hand of Fellowship”
So what exactly does this phrase “right hand of fellowship” mean? There are a few important things to highlight:
1. A Symbolic Gesture of Partnership
Giving someone the “right hand of fellowship” was a symbolic gesture in that culture recognizing partnership, agreement, and friendship between parties. The right hand signified strength, honor and unity. By extending their right hands to Paul, the Jerusalem leaders visibly demonstrated their partnership with him in spreading the true gospel.
2. An Official Endorsement
The right hand of fellowship was an official endorsement by the apostles of Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. This was extremely important because it meant the Jerusalem church leaders affirmed that Paul’s gospel message aligned with their own, silencing critics who claimed Paul was a rogue preacher with a different message. Their approval validated the authenticity of Paul’s apostleship.
3. A Covenant of Unity
By clasping right hands, the apostles made a covenant of unity and agreed to divide their missions along cultural lines. Paul and Barnabas would continue commissioned to preach to the Gentiles, whereas Peter, James and John would focus on reaching Jewish people. This prevented duplication of efforts and paved the way for strategic gospel outreach founded on unity, not competition or dissension.
4. A Promise of Support
The right hand of fellowship carried a promise of moral and spiritual support. It wasn’t just a handshake but a commitment to stand behind Paul and Barnabas’ ministry, pray for them, and have their backs in the face of opposition. The leaders made a pledge of personal support for the Gentile mission.
5. A Demonstration of Equality
This symbolic act placed Paul on equal footing with the other apostles. Though they had different missions, they were united in purpose and doctrine. By clasping his hand, the Jerusalem leaders demonstrated they did not consider themselves superior to Paul but rather embraced him as a peer and fellow apostle. There was mutual love and respect.
So in summary, this powerful symbolic gesture conveyed partnership, endorsement, unity and support. It was a visible demonstration that despite their different roles, Paul and the Jerusalem apostles were completely aligned in the truth of the gospel. The right hand of fellowship affirmed that the same Spirit was powerfully at work in them all.
Why Was This Meeting Significant?
Stepping back, it’s important to understand why this meeting in Galatians 2 was so crucial:
– It provided visible evidence of unity among the apostles and established doctrinal consistency. This countered accusations that Paul was a maverick preaching a different gospel.
– It validated Paul’s unique call to preach to the Gentiles and resulted in strategic planning and allocation of spheres of ministry. This paved the way for a coordinated missionary strategy.
– It gave Paul credibility and backup in confronting the Judaizers demanding circumcision. He could point to the endorsement of the Jerusalem apostles.
– It revealed that the gospel of grace extended beyond Jewish believers to Gentiles also. This was a breakthrough revelation affirming God’s inclusive heart for all nations.
So in many ways, this meeting and right hand of fellowship represented a watershed moment for the early church. Doctrinal unity was established, paving the way for the gospel to spread rapidly. Paul’s ministry was validated, positioning him to confront legalism. And the inclusive scope of the gospel was affirmed. Praise God for how He orchestrated this strategic alliance for His glory.
Examples of the Phrase “Right Hand of Fellowship”
While the original biblical context refers to Galatians 2:9, the phrase “right hand of fellowship” has become more broadly used over time. Here are some examples of how it is used today:
– Churches may welcome new members by extending the “right hand of fellowship.” This expresses that the new member is welcomed into the fellowship of the church body.
– At graduations, the school president may give graduates the right hand of fellowship, symbolic of welcoming them into the alumni association as new peers and partners.
– Civic organizations may give a right hand of fellowship to honor new members and signify partnership in serving the community.
– International groups may extend the right hand of fellowship to new member states or organizations, demonstrating unity in purpose and ideology.
So in modern usage, it continues to signify welcome, partnership, and unity of vision and purpose. The physical grasping of right hands imparts a sense of comradery and support.
Other Biblical References About Unity
The right hand of fellowship exemplifies the biblical emphasis on unity among believers. Here are some other verses that speak to this theme:
Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” This celebrates the blessing of harmony between believers.
John 17:20-23 – Jesus prays for unity between his followers to reflect the unity between Him and the Father. Our oneness demonstrates whose disciples we are.
1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” Unity requires humility and common purpose.
Ephesians 4:3 – “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Unity is precious and worth pursuing.
Philippians 2:2 – “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Like-mindedness breeds joy.
Our fellowship and effectiveness depends on preserving unity as Christ’s followers. The right hand of fellowship is a visible expression of this core biblical value.
Principles for Maintaining Unity Today
In a divided world, how can we apply these lessons today? Here are some principles for maintaining unity:
– Focus on essential doctrines – Debate will exist, but unity depends on agreement regarding core tenets of the faith.
– Emphasize mission over preference – Fix eyes on the Great Commission rather than minor differences.
– Cultivate understanding – Listen, avoid assumptions, extend grace. Seek to truly understand others.
– Major on love – Love covers over disagreements. Lead with patience, kindness, humility.
– Value relationship – Invest relationally with humility; get to know others personally.
– Celebrate diversity – Accept and appreciate how others are uniquely shaped.
– Allow freedom – Don’t force conformity on non-essentials. Accept differences.
– Focus on Christ – He unites us. Keep Him central in all we do.
May we extend the right hand of fellowship to Christians from every tribe and tongue, fulfilling Jesus’ prayer for oneness!
Conclusion
In summary, the right hand of fellowship described in Galatians 2:9 was a powerful gesture by the Jerusalem apostles affirming their doctrinal unity with Paul, validating his ministry to the Gentiles, and pledging support. This symbolic act paved the way for effective outreach to the nations by eliminating dissension and rivalry. It serves as a model for how, despite differences, believers can partner together in the gospel with humility, love and respect. As Christ’s ambassadors, may we diligently strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace for the sake of the Gospel.