King James Bible
"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."
Paul identifies the Jerusalem church's most influential leaders—James (Jesus' brother), Peter (Cephas), and John—using architectural imagery that positions them as foundational supports of the early Christian community. The phrase 'seemed to be' reflects Paul's careful acknowledgment of their reputation without diminishing his own apostolic authority. The Jerusalem leaders recognized divine favor in Paul's ministry, specifically his calling and effectiveness in preaching to Gentiles. This perception validated Paul's controversial mission and confirmed that his gospel came from the same source as theirs. The extending of right hands formalized a partnership agreement in ancient culture, signifying mutual recognition and support between the Jerusalem apostles and Paul's mission team. This gesture publicly endorsed Paul's apostleship despite earlier tensions about Gentile inclusion. The agreement established distinct but complementary mission fields: Paul and Barnabas would focus on Gentiles (non-Jews) while the Jerusalem leaders would primarily minister to Jews. This division preserved unity while acknowledging different callings and cultural contexts for spreading the gospel.