Answer #6

         There were others at this meeting in Jerusalem. Acts 15:5 show that some of those who were formerly of the sect of the Pharisees rose and made a statement to the group. Also when Peter said in verse 10, "why are you making a test of God….," was he saying this to the governing body or to the ones who wanted the Gentiles to get circumcised? Also just before Paul and Barnabas spoke, verse 12 says that the entire multitude became silent. Sixteen men would not constitute a multitude. We also learn that it was James who made the decision concerning what action to take in this matter, not a governing body.