INTRODUCTION

Many churchgoers are familiar with the term "the right hand of fellowship," but few are familiar with its meaning. In our passage, we find that James, Cephas (Peter), and John gave "the right hands of fellowship" to Paul and Barnabas. What was the purpose or significance of this act? By giving the right hands of fellowship, these believers were agreeing to serve God together. James, Cephas and John would focus on reaching the circumcision (the Jewish people), while Paul and Barnabas would focus on reaching the uncircumcision (Gentiles). When we give someone the right hand of fellowship, we are suggesting that we agree to serve God with that believer.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) 1 Timothy 5:1-2 [1] Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; [2] The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
  See All... tells us that our church is a family. When someone joins the church, we are to love them as family (1 John 4:21And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
  See All...), i.e., pray for them, encourage them, warn them, help them, and work together with them to serve God.
• Many churches call upon their members to give the right hand of fellowship to new members. What does this suggest? What are you agreeing to when you give the right hand of fellowship?
• What are some times that would be appropriate to extend the right hand of fellowship? How can this be encouraging to both parties in their service to the Lord?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to show you the importance of serving God with others.
• Ask the Lord to give you godly people with whom to serve.

HYMN

To the Work!

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