The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.
6. The apostles and elders met together. Luke saith, not that all the whole Church was gathered together, but those who did excel in doctrine and judgment, and those who, according to their office, were competent “Legitimi,” lawful. judges in this matter. It may be, indeed, that the disputation was had in presence of the people.
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
And the apostles and elders came together,.... And also the brethren, or private members of the church, even the whole church, as appears from Act 15:22. Whether all the apostles were here present, is not certain; Peter, James, and John were; but who else, cannot be said: these met together for to consider of this matter; to hear what was to be said on both...