Galatians 2:9-10 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. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
In Galatians 2:9-10, Paul recounts that James, along with Peter and John, extended “the right hand of fellowship” to him and Barnabas, affirming their mission to the Gentiles while encouraging unity in caring for the poor. This moment illustrates James’s commitment to fostering mutual respect and partnership in a diverse early church.
James’s willingness to support Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles while prioritising unity and compassion demonstrates the importance of embracing others with different backgrounds, without losing sight of shared values.
Question: How can you show acceptance and unity in your community, even with those who are different from you? Are there ways you can work together for a common good, like helping those in need?