The right hand of fellowship 2, Galatians 2:1-10

Finishing our conversation about the 7 keys to solid Christian fellowship from Galatians 2
Unity, Vs. 6b The leads of the church in Jerusalem added nothing to Paul’s message. There was a unity between Paul & Barnabas and the leaders in Jerusalem. Unity among believers is very important. Unity among Christian leaders is so valuable. We will watch this unity play out in the next several keys to good solid Christian fellowship.

Responsibility, vs. 7,8 Everyone there in Jerusalem knew and accepted their responsibility. They saw that God had called Paul to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. They knew that God was working in and through his life. Just like they saw that God had sent Peter to take the Gospel to the Jews. They knew that God was working in Peter. This observation of Peter and Paul both taking the Gospel to their respective groups shows the unity, the distribution, and the acceptance of responsibility.

Congeniality, vs. 9 Peter, James, and John gave to Barnabas and Paul the right hand of fellowship. Paul is saying that he not estranged from the apostles in Jerusalem but that he has a friendship with them. He not only has a friendship with them he says we have shaken in agreement. They have sanctioned our ministry. Sometimes we can be all of the above and not very congenial. Congeniality is a picture is one of genuine warmth. We don’t just tolerate one another in the church, the basis of our Christian Fellowship is the love of Christ. We let the Lord love others through us, even when it’s hard to generate that love on our own.

Charity, vs. 10 Paul says that the leaders in Jerusalem didn’t add any additional requirements. Paul says there was one request. The request was that we should continue to remember the poor. Paul said that I had already planned to do that. The poor referenced here is the poor in Jerusalem.

Paul said I received the right hand of fellowship in Jerusalem. I learned some great keys to that fellowship. I want you to know, accept, and live by these keys and experience the great fellowship in Christ. Review these keys with me. Humility, Diversity, Loyalty, Unity, Responsibility, Congeniality, and Charity. These keys will play a solid role in making your Christian fellowship great.