Acts 15:12

Then all the multitude Though the apostles and elders are alone mentioned (Acts 15:6) as coming together, it now appears that the assembly was a large one.

kept silence The authority with which he could speak through whom God had first opened the door of faith to the Gentiles must have silenced opposition. For he like themselves had had prejudices to overcome before his mission to Cornelius.

and gave audience Here the imperfect tense implies the steady continuous attention to the whole narrative of that first missionary journey of St Paul.

what miracles The word is that usually rendered signs; and the two nouns are the same which occur in the prayer of the disciples (Acts 4:30) -that signs and wondersmay be done through the name of thy holy servant Jesus." The prayer was now being answered abundantly. It is well that the English rendering should accord in these places.

by them See note on Acts 15:4 above.