9and 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.
The right hand of fellowship is an expression to indicate unity1 and agreement.2 The apostles and church leaders in Jerusalem recognize that Paul and Barnabas are one with them when it comes to the gospel. They are brothers united by a common faith in Jesus Christ.
9 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.