Galatians 2:9

James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars - Οἱ δοκουντες στυλοι ειναι· Who were known to be very eminent, and acknowledged as chief men among the apostles. See the note on Luke 8:18 , for the meaning of the verb δοκειν , and see before on Galatians 2:6 ; (note).

Among the Jews, persons of great eminence and importance are represented as pillars and foundations of the world. So Abraham is said to be העולם עמוד ammud heolam , "the pillar of the universe; for by him to this day are the earth and heavens supported." Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 29.

"Rabbi Simeon said, Behold, we are the pillars of the world." Idra Rabba, s. 23.

"When Rabbi Jochanan ben Zachai was near death, he wept with a loud voice. His disciples said unto him, O Rabbi, thou high pillar, thou light of the world, thou strong hammer, why dost thou weep?" Aboth. R. Nathan, chap. 24.

So, in Sohar Genes, fol. 5, it is said: "And he saw that Rab. Eleazar went up, and stood there, and with him עמודין שאר shear ammudin , the rest of the pillars (eminent men) who sat there."

Ibid., fol. 13: "These are the seven righteous men who cleave to the holy blessed God with a pure heart, and they are the seven pillars of the world."

Ibid., fol. 21, on the words bearing fruit, Genesis 1:11 , it is said: "By this we are to understand the just one, who is the pillar of the world." See Schoettgen, who adds: "These pillars must be distinguished from the foundation. The foundation of the Church is Jesus Christ alone; the pillars are the more eminent teachers, which, without the foundation, are of no value."

The right hands of fellowship - Giving the right hand to another was the mark of confidence, friendship, and fellowship. See Leviticus 6:2 ; : If a soul - lie unto his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, יד בתשומת bithsumeth yad , "in giving the hand."