On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel for the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter making him an apostle to the circumcised also worked through me in sending me to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do. (Galatians 2: 7-10)

Paul asserts that those in leadership recognized that he had been commissioned by Jesus. These leaders could not add or detract from this commission, but they did affirm the commission.

Paul also suggests the leaders recognized two different ministries: one to the Jews and another to the gentiles. The Galatians were mostly - perhaps entirely - gentiles. Paul seems to suggest that for those claiming descent from Abraham, the law may still be - quaintly? - observed.

But for all others, the new convenant of Jesus Christ has replaced the law of Moses with the liberty of God's grace. As it is Peter's role to bring this message to the Jews, it is Paul's role to bring this message to the gentiles.

Above is James the Just, leader of the church in Jerusalem and brother of Jesus, as portrayed in a modern icon.