Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.
We have here a council called, not by writ, but by consent, on this occasion (Act 15:6): The apostles and presbyters came together, to consider this matter. They did not give their judgment separately, but came together to do it, that they might hear one another's sense in this matter; for in the multitude of counsellors there is safety and satisfaction.
Commenting on Acts 15:6-21
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles,.... James begins with taking notice of Peter's speech, and agrees to it, and confirms it; for by Simeon is not meant, as some have thought, the Simeon that took Christ in his arms, Luk 2:25 who had been dead long ago; but Simon Peter, who had spoken before.
Verse 14. Simeon. This is a Hebrew name. The Greek mode of writing it commonly was Simon. It was one of the names of Peter, . To take out of them a people. To choose from among the Gentiles those who should be his friends. (e) "declared"