The Right Hand of Fellowship

The phrase the right hand of fellowship is found in Galatians 2:9. There, Paul recounts, “James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.” At this relatively early stage in his ministry, Paul reported to the elders in Jerusalem on what he had been preaching, and the other apostles affirmed their support of his gospel. Their support was signified by extending “the right hand of fellowship” to Paul and Barnabas. To this day, a handshake or a clasping of the right hand or forearm is used as a way to affirm a promise, to seal a deal, to communicate mutual trust, or to enter a partnership.