“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” (Galatians 2:9 ESV).
This meeting in Jerusalem was pivotal in church history. Paul had received the gospel by revelation from Jesus Christ and had preached it boldly among the Gentiles. Yet, some insisted that Gentiles must first become Jews—submitting to circumcision and the law—before they could belong to God’s people. Paul, led by revelation and with a heart for unity, met with the apostles James, Peter, and John to lay his gospel before them. The outcome was decisive: these recognized leaders, “pillars” of the church, affirmed that Paul’s message was indeed the same gospel they preached. They extended the “right hand of fellowship,” signifying full partnership, and agreed on mission fields: Paul and Barnabas would focus on the Gentiles, while the Jerusalem apostles would primarily focus on the Jews. This was no division of the gospel but only a division of labor—one gospel, two mission fields. The gospel of grace was confirmed as good news for the whole world.
We, too, must hold fast to the truth that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. How easy it is to drift into adding rules or traditions as entry points into God’s family! This verse reminds us that the gospel is for every nation, tribe, and tongue, without cultural or religious barriers. We are also reminded of the importance of unity in the body of Christ. Though our callings and mission fields may differ, we are all given the same commission by King Jesus: Go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). Are we living with this global, grace-centered vision of the gospel?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for preserving the truth of the gospel. Help us to keep the gospel of Christ clear and free from additions and subtractions. Give us a heart to share the gospel to everyone and to make disciples of all nations. In Jesus’ name, amen.