Definition: And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 2:9. It's a really important and fascinating passage about Jesus’ plan to share his message with people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that he wants to be involved with people, especially those who aren’t Jewish, and he wants to help them understand the good news of him. He's essentially offering himself as a bridge between Judaism and Christianity. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And when James, Cephas, and John…” : These are three key leaders in the early church – James, Cephas (often translated as "Cephas" meaning “heard” or “understood”), and John. They were important figures who had a strong connection to Jesus and to the Jewish community. “…who seemed to be pillars…” : This means they were powerful and respected. They held significant positions in the church. “…perceived the grace that was given unto me…” : This is the key part. "Grace" here refers to God’s favor, his love, and his acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. He's saying he felt this divine support and blessing. It's a moment where he felt truly loved and valued. “…they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship…” : This is where it gets really significant. “Right hands” means a position of leadership or authority – essentially, being trusted to lead. They were giving him and his companion Barnabas (who was also a follower of Jesus) a chance to represent him and his message to others. “…that we [should] go unto the heathen…” : This is the crucial part about sharing the good news with outsiders. “Heathens” means people who are not Jewish – those who don't follow the laws and traditions of Judaism. Jesus is inviting them to join him in spreading his message. “…and they unto the circumcision.” : This refers to a specific group of Jewish men, particularly those who were considered "circumcised" – meaning they had undergone a ritual marking their identity as part of Jewish tradition. Jesus is suggesting that he will also be included with these people. So, what’s the big takeaway? Jesus is saying, “I want to be involved with those outside Judaism. I want to share my message and help them understand who I am.” He's offering himself as a way for Jews and non-Jews to connect with him and become part of his community. It was a radical move that showed the power and importance of Jesus, and it’s a foundational event in the early church. In short, this verse describes a pivotal moment where Jesus began to actively invite people outside of Judaism into his ministry. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Talk about the context of this passage within the book of Galatians? Discuss why this is considered a significant event in Christian history?