Southern Baptists are fighting about the place of women in pastoral leadership again, but no one is talking about the truth of Acts 5 and against whom they are really fighting. This time, it’s not just Saddleback Church, Fern Creek Baptist Church, or Elevation Church. I believe the conflict far surpasses local congregations according to Acts 5, which stands as a cautionary word that resonates across denominational and theological landscapes.
Among the lenses through which I read and interpret Scripture is rabbinic wisdom. Beyond Jesus of Nazareth, who was himself a Jewish rabbi, one such figure in the biblical narrative who provides valuable insight into this discussion is a teacher named Gamaliel. According to Acts 22:3, Rabbi Gamaliel taught a prolific writer of the New Testament formerly known as Saul of Tarsus (aka the Apostle Paul). Yes, the same guy whom many Southern Baptists ironically quote in defense of their opposition to women serving as pastors.
The Acts of the Apostles
In Acts 5:12-42, the apostles are doing “many signs and wonders” healing many people in Solomon’s Portico. The infirmed were being placed in the streets on cots and mats so that Peter’s shadow (yes, his shadow) might fall on them as he passed by. If that wasn’t incredible enough, people from the towns around Jerusalem were bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, “and they were all cured” (Acts 5:16). So, the high priest and some Sadducees arrested the apostles and put them in prison for a short-lived stay thanks to an angel (or messenger) of the Lord who released the apostles during the night.
“We must obey God.”
The high priest called the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel for what appeared to be an emergency meeting to arraign the captives, but the apostles were not there. Instead, the apostles were in the temple teaching! The captain of the temple and the temple police apprehended the apostles and brought them before the council for some questions. The high priest reminded them of his strict orders not to teach in the name of Jesus, “yet here…you are determined” (Acts 5:28). Peter and the apostles answered the high priest saying, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29) and then proceeded to preach their stump sermon to the Sanhedrin, which enraged everyone but a Pharisee named Gamaliel who was a respected rabbi. Gamaliel stood up (literally) and ordered the apostles to be put outside in order for the council to deliberate, kind of like how pastors are excused from the sanctuary before being voted on after a trial sermon in view of a call.
“If it is of God…”
What follows is rabbinic wisdom on full display that I believe is pertinent to this round of the women in ministry fight. Rabbi Gamaliel cautions the council by recounting the uprisings of Theudas and then Judas the Galilean both “claiming to be somebody,” gaining a passionate following, being killed, and their respective movements evaporating into oblivion. Acts 5:38-39 is where it gets good. Gamaliel says, “In this present case, I tell you, keep away and let them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them – in that case you may even be found fighting against God!”
Gamaliel’s words swayed the Sanhedrin to spare the apostles’ lives. For good measure, though, they had the apostles flogged and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus. Rather than limping home, cowering in fear, and obediently keeping their mouths shut, Acts 5:41-42 says, “As [the apostles] left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.”
Fighting against women in ministry is a fight against God.
Rabbi Gamaliel’s words do not explicitly mention women in ministry, but his counsel is universal, giving light to a profound message hidden beneath the surface: time and truth travel together. If anyone’s movement or idea is of human origin it will eventually fade out, especially under pressure; however, if the movement, idea, or calling is from God, no one will be able to overthrow it because it will be a fight against God. Fighting against women in ministry is a fight against God. If girls or women sense God’s call to pastoral ministry they must obey God rather than any human authority. If they don’t obey God, then they are fighting against God. To deny women the opportunity to preach the Gospel and to serve Christ’s church in all levels of ordained ministry is to fight a losing battle against Almighty God and to lay siege to the very message and institution they are trying to protect.
The wise words of Gamaliel continue to be relevant today, inspiring a more inclusive and egalitarian approach to ministry. Women, with their unique perspectives, spiritual gifts, and leadership abilities, have a vital role to play in guiding and nurturing local churches. Acts 5 provides a biblical precedent for the full acceptance and support of women in ministry, affirming their equal value and contribution to the body of Christ. Gamaliel’s wise counsel offers a powerful endorsement of women in ministry that champions gender equality in pastoral leadership. To suggest otherwise are fighting words.