What is the right hand of fellowship (Galatians 2:9)?

TL;DR:

The "right hand of fellowship" in Galatians 2:9 signifies unity and partnership in spreading the gospel. It emphasizes the importance of community, mutual support, and encouragement among believers, which remains essential for the church today.

what does the bible say?

The "right hand of fellowship" in Galatians 2:9 symbolizes agreement, partnership, and unity in ministry. Paul and Barnabas were recognized by James, Cephas, and John as they were entrusted with spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. The term "fellowship" (koinonia) refers to shared partnership or friendship, emphasizing the importance of community within the church. This gesture tangibly reveals a person’s recognition as being part of the body of believers. It’s an action that symbolizes the need for unity, mutual encouragement, and support among Christians. Fellowship remains essential today in the church and among believers as we seek to live as the family of God.

from the old testament

The right hand of fellowship is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

Galatians 2:9 says: "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." James, Cephas, and John agreed that Paul and Barnabas should continue ministering the gospel to the Gentiles while they continued sharing the gospel with the Jews. By extending the right hand of fellowship, they affirmed their agreement with one another.
The Greek word koinonia is translated "fellowship" in Galatians 2:9, and it refers to shared partnership or friendship. The early church was in regular fellowship together (Acts 2:46–47) and so is the church today through gatherings like small groups where people share meals and encourage each other in the Lord. Being in fellowship with one another is an essential component to being a healthy church.
Fellowship is key in staying encouraged in Christ and strong in faith. Hebrews 10:23–25 exhorts, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

implications for today

In practice, extending the right hand of fellowship is the equivalent of shaking someone's hand or grasping their forearm to signify an agreement, bond of trust, or to establish a new partnership. It is a welcoming gesture. The right hand of fellowship is a visual sign of a welcome into fellowship and community. For Paul and Barnabas, being given the right hand of fellowship signified their acceptance into the more established group of disciples who were already preaching the gospel. Some churches today speak of the "right hand of fellowship" in welcoming new members and might even have a formal ceremony where the new member is introduced and greeted by the others with a hand shake. Fellowship and community are vital for believers.

Fellowship is key in how we function together as the body of Christ and the family of God. In His high priestly prayer, Jesus prayed, in part, "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21). Fellowship is one of the ways we work toward and maintain unity. We even see this in Galatians 2:10; Paul and Barnabas were given instructions to remember the poor, which is something they'd already wanted to do. The leaders were in accord with one another and unified in moving forward.

Whether we give the "right hand of fellowship" literally or metaphorically, the concept remains important for churches today. Paul wrote to the Philippians, "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (Philippians 2:1–2).

understand

The right hand of fellowship symbolizes unity and partnership in ministry.
"Fellowship" (koinonia) emphasizes shared community and mutual support in the church.
The right hand of fellowship serves as a visible sign of belonging in the body of believers.

reflect

How can you actively support and encourage other believers?
How do you experience and contribute to the fellowship of believers in your daily life?
How do you demonstrate partnership and trust with fellow Christians in your ministry or service?

engage

How does the concept of fellowship in Galatians 2:9 challenge the way we view unity in the church today?
What can we learn from Paul and Barnabas’s relationship with the early church about building unity in the body of Christ?
How can we as a community ensure that we are maintaining the kind of fellowship that strengthens and encourages one another in faith?