John Calvin Commentary Acts 15:30

"So they, when they were dismissed, came down to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle." — Acts 15:30 (ASV)

When the multitude was gathered. This was the most legitimate approach to admit the whole multitude to the reading of the epistle. For if any controversy arises in the doctrine of faith, it is fitting that the judgment be referred to the learned and godly, and to those who are well-versed in the Scripture, and, chiefly, to the pastors rightly ordained.

Nevertheless, because it belongs to all alike to know for certain what they must hold, the godly and learned teachers must make known to the whole Church what they have established from the word of God. For there is nothing more unfitting for holy and Christian order than to drive away the body of the people from common doctrine, as if it were a herd of swine, as they used to do under the tyranny of Popery.

For because the Pope and the horned bishops thought that the people would never be obedient enough until they were brought into gross ignorance, they imagined that this was the best summary of faith: to know nothing, but to depend wholly upon their decrees. But, on the contrary, a balance must be observed, so that lawful governments may continue, and that, on the other hand, the people may have that liberty which belongs to them, lest they be oppressed like slaves.