Acts 15:6

The Council at Jerusalem; the debate and the speech of Peter. Narration of the work of Barnabas and Paul

6. And the apostles and elders came( were gathered) together These words refer to a formal summoning to discuss the difficult question which had been brought forward. That there was a space between the first welcome of the Apostles by the church and the assembly of the synod suits St Paul's words (Galatians 2:2) that he explained his position "privately to them which were of reputation." This private conference was a necessary preparation for the more public discussion which alone is noticed by the history.