And when James — Probably named first because he was bishop of the church in Jerusalem. And Cephas — Speaking of him at Jerusalem he calls him by his Hebrew name. And John — Hence it appears that he also was at the council, though he is not particularly named in the Acts. Who undoubtedly were pillars — The principal supporters and defenders of the gospel. Knew — After they had heard the account I gave them. The grace — Of apostleship. Which was given me, they — In the name of all. Gave to me and Barnabas — My fellow — labourer. The right hands of fellowship — They gave us their hands in token of receiving us as their fellow — labourers, mutually agreeing that we — I and those in union with me. Should go to the gentiles — Chiefly. And they — With those that were in union with them, chiefly to the circumcision — The Jews.
Related Commentaries of Galatians 2:9
Galatians 2:9
9 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.