Galatians 2:9

“And when James, Cephas, and John, etc..] These are the persons all along designed, though not till now named. James was the brother of our Lord, the son of Alphaeus, who wrote the epistle that goes by his name, made that famous speech in the synod at Jerusalem, (<441513>Acts 15:13), presided in that church, was a man of great holiness, and much esteemed of by the saints, and had a good report of them that were without. Cephas is Simon Peter. This name was given him by Christ, (<430142>John 1:42) and in the Syriac language signifies a “stone”, as Peter does in the Greek, to which our Lord alludes, (<401618>Matthew 16:18). John was the evangelist, and the same that wrote the epistles, was the…”

“James--placed first in the oldest manuscripts, even before Peter, as being bishop of Jerusalem, and so presiding at the council (Acts 15:1-29). He was called "the Just," from his strict adherence to the law, and so was especially popular among the Jewish party though he did not fall into their extremes; whereas Peter was somewhat estranged from them through his intercourse with the Gentile Christians. To each apostle was assigned the sphere best suited to his temperament: to James, who was tenacious of the law, the Jerusalem Jews; to Peter, who had opened the door to the Gentiles but who was Judaically disposed, the Jews of the dispersion; to Paul, who, by the miraculous and overwhelming…”

“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars - That is, pillars or supports in the church. The word rendered “pillars” (στύλοι stuloi) means properly firm support; then persons of influence and authority, as in a church, or that support a church as a pillar or column does an edifice. In regard to James, see the note at Galatians 1:19; compare Acts 15:13. Cephas or Peter was the most aged of the apostles, and regarded as at the head of the apostolical college. John was the beloved disciple, and his influence in the church must of necessity have been great. Paul felt that if he had the countenance of these men, it would be an important proof to the churches of Galatia that he…”

“And when James - Probably named first because he was bishop of the church in Jerusalem. And Cephas - Speaking of him at Jerusalem he calls him by his Hebrew name. And John - Hence it appears that he also was at the council, though he is not particularly named in the Acts. Who undoubtedly were pillars - The principal supporters and defenders of the gospel. Knew - After they had heard the account I gave them. The grace - Of apostleship. Which was given me, they - In the name of all. Gave to me and Barnabas - My fellow - labourer. The right hands of fellowship - They gave us their hands in token of receiving us as their fellow - labourers, mutually agreeing that we - I and those in union with…”

“2:9 James: See “James, Brother of Jesus” Profile. • they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers (literally they gave me and Barnabas a right hand of fellowship): This symbolic handshake showed full acceptance for Paul and Barnabas, their ministry, and their message.”

“James: Act 15:7, Act 15:13, Act 15:22-29 pillars: Gal 2:2, Gal 2:6, Gal 2:12-14; Mat 16:18; Eph 2:20; Rev 3:12, Rev 21:14-20 the grace: Rom 1:5, Rom 12:3, Rom 12:5, Rom 12:6, Rom 15:15; Co1 15:10; Eph 3:8; Col 1:29; Pe1 4:10, Pe1 4:11 fellowship: Co2 8:4; Jo1 1:3 we should: Act 15:23-30 Galatians 2:10”