WmFights, it goes even further than the verse you quoted. Look who was there. It wasn't just apostles and elders....
In Act 15 here are the participants mentioned in order:
The Apostles
- Peter (speaking, by the way of how God gave the Gentiles the Holy Ghost and ending: 11But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.)
- Paul
- James
The Elders
Barnabus
All the MULTITUDE
Simeon? (doesn't have to be there, but it appears he is)
The whole church
After this cast of characters discussed the matter, the decision was made to send out missionaries (Paul and Barnabus) to the Gentiles. Who was the decision made by? Peter? He was a participant. All of the Apostles? Not alone. The College of Cardinals? No. The Elders? No. But, the Apostles, the Elders AND THE WHOLE CHURCH. The same then write a letter. Not exactly the system that would be after the centralized organization took control.
You are so right. I missed the last part. I went back and reread the entire chapter, being a Sola Scriptura believer and never wanting to just take someone's word for it. ;-)
I think we are in agreement on the conclusion that can be drawn from that,the historical development of the other churches, and the actions of the Apostles.