John Calvin Commentary Acts 15:6

"And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter." — Acts 15:6 (ASV)

The apostles and elders met together. Luke says, not that the entire Church was gathered together, but those who excelled in doctrine and judgment, and those who, according to their office, were competent judges in this matter. It may be, indeed, that the disputation took place in the presence of the people.

But so that no one would think that the common people were permitted to handle the matter indiscriminately, Luke plainly mentions the apostles and elders, as it was more fitting that they should hear the matter and decide it.

But let us understand that God here prescribes a form and an order for assembling synods when any controversy arises that cannot otherwise be decided.

For since many daily opposed Paul, this disputation alone—which was likely to result in great ruin and had already escalated to heated conflicts—compelled him to go to Jerusalem.