John Calvin Commentary Acts 15:31

"And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation." — Acts 15:31 (ASV)

They rejoiced over the consolation (Acts 15:31). Since the epistle is so short and contains nothing but a bare narration, what consolation could they have from it? But we must note that there was no small matter of consolation in it, because when they knew the consent of the apostles, they were all pacified; and also, whereas before there was variance among them, they are now reconciled to one another.

Since a false report had spread that all the apostles were against Paul and Barnabas, this had shaken some who were too quick to believe; many were in doubt. The wicked abused this occasion to speak evil; some others were spurred on by a love of novelty and curiosity, and one was set against another.

But now, after they see that the judgment of the first Church agrees with the doctrine of Paul and Barnabas, they obtain that which the children of God ought to wish for most: that being established in the right faith, and being of one mind among themselves, they may with quiet minds have peace with one another.