Galatians 2:7-9

Galatians 2:7-9

[7] But  contrariwise,  that  the gospel  of the uncircumcision  was committed unto me,  as  the gospel of the circumcision  was unto Peter;  [8] (For  he that wrought effectually  in Peter  to  the apostleship  of the circumcision,  the same  was mighty  toward  the Gentiles:)  [9] And  when James,  Cephas,  and  John,  who  seemed  pillars,  perceived  the grace  that was given  and  Barnabas  the right hands  of fellowship;  that  should go unto  the heathen,  and  they  unto  the circumcision. 

What does Galatians 2:7-9 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

James , Peter, and John did not seek to change Paul"s message. They agreed with it. They shook hands in agreement over the gospel even though the focuses of their ministries were different. The Greek word stylos, translated "pillar," can also mean "tent-pole."
"Peter was the great missionary. Hence, when Paul is speaking of the ministry to the Jews, Peter is prominent and James is not mentioned (vv7, 8). In dealing with a particular and official act of the Jerusalem church, however, James (who apparently presided at the council) is mentioned in the first position with the names of Peter and John following." [1]
The "grace" given to Paul ( Galatians 2:9) refers to his apostleship to the Gentiles ( Acts 9:15; cf. Galatians 1:16; Romans 1:5; Romans 12:3; Romans 15:15; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 3:8; Philippians 1:7).
"In Paul"s eyes the compelling logic of the Christ-event pointed to the supersession of the age of law by the age of the Spirit ( Galatians 3:13 f.); it was because there was now [2] but one way of justification for Jews and Gentiles alike-justification by faith (cf. Romans 3:29 f.)-that "in Christ Jesus" there was "neither Jew now Greek" ( Galatians 3:28)." [3]
"While every Christian has an important role to play in missions and evangelism, we must never forget that Jesus himself is the great Missionary, the Son who has been sent from the Father; and the Holy Spirit is the true Evangelist, the divine One who convicts and converts." [4]