Galatians 2:9

Galatians 2:9 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 ... The right hand of fellowship is an interesting term. Times were dangerous when Paul and Barnabas lived. Most men carried a short dagger/sword under their tunic. If a robber or thug approached, their right hand went inside of their robe and they held onto the sword’s handle until the threat was over. Back then as today, 80% of people are right handed. So when people met, in order to show their trust and friendliness with the other person, they shook hands with their right hands indicating that no sword was in their right hand. So when Peter, James, and John wanted to show that they were agreeing with Paul and Barnabas, they gave them the right hand of fellowship. They were good to go to the gentiles with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is exactly what Paul and Barnabas did.