And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,
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 God which knoweth the hearts,.... Of all men; he being omniscient, the searcher of the hearts, and the trier of the reins of the children of men, knew with what sincerity Cornelius sent for Peter; and with what vehement desire and longing expectation he and his family and friends waited for his coming; and with what earnestness, diligence, and affection they attended to what...
Verse 8. And God, which knoweth the hearts, . God thus knew whether they were true converts or not, and gave a demonstration that he acknowledged them as his. Giving them the holy Ghost, etc. . (h) "which knoweth the hearts" (*) "witness" "Bore testimony to them" (+) "holy Ghost" "Spirit"