Is It Rebellion? Discerning True and False Authority in the Church
Orientation
Many believers experience fear and pain when accused of rebellion for questioning teachings that differ from Scripture.
- Leaders may claim excessive authority and label dissent as rebellion.
- This creates a climate of fear where honest questions are suppressed.
- Sensitive believers feel burdened, wanting peace with God but fearing they are opposing Him.
To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. (Galatians 2:5)
— Galatians 2:5
Clarification
True obedience is adherence to Scripture, not submission to human leaders who may be in error.
- Paul rebuked Peter to preserve gospel truth, demonstrating faithfulness, not rebellion.
- Refusing to yield to false teaching, as Paul did with circumcision, protects the gospel's integrity.
- The New Testament model of authority is servanthood, not Gentile-style lordship.
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: (Mark 10:42-43)
— Mark 10:42-43
Structure
Biblical authority is rooted in servant leadership, gentle nourishment, and freedom to correct error for the sake of the Gospel.
- Jesus established a pattern of service, not domination.
- Paul modeled ministry as a gentle, nurturing mother, not a distant overlord.
- God frees His children from fear of men so they can contend for truth in love.
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)
— 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
Weight-Bearing Prose
The apostolic pattern, given by Paul, defines true Christian authority. It is not measured by submission to men but by adherence to the Word of God. When Peter compromised the gospel, Paul rebuked him publicly to preserve truth (Galatians 2:11-14). This was not rebellion but faithfulness. Paul refused to submit to false brethren demanding circumcision for even an hour, so the truth of the gospel would remain intact (Galatians 2:5). This demonstrates that gospel integrity sometimes requires opposing error within the church.
The New Testament model radically differs from Old Testament theocratic models or Gentile lordship. Jesus explicitly contrasted His way: leadership is servanthood (Mark 10:42-45). Peter, as a fellow elder, commanded leaders to shepherd willingly, not as lords over God’s heritage (1 Peter 5:1-3). Paul described his ministry with the gentleness and affection of a nursing mother (1 Thessalonians 2:6-8). Authority here is intimate, humble, and nurturing—not distant, domineering, or fear-based.
God’s discipline of His children is for their good, training them to come to Christ. It is fundamentally different from punitive measures used to silence scriptural correction. Believers are justified and secure in Christ; this justification frees them from the fear of men. The liberty we have in Christ is not for the flesh but is the freedom to contend for truth confidently, following Paul’s example of scripture-based confrontation.
Integration
Your peace with God is not based on your submission to a human leader, but on Christ’s finished work. God has justified you. You are secure in Him. This security is your anchor, freeing you from the fear of men. The gentle, nurturing pattern of Christ and the apostles is your true standard for leadership—not domination, but service. Remember, your calling is to liberty in Christ. This liberty is for a purpose: to hold fast to the truth of the gospel in love. Rest in the assurance that God Himself has freed you for this. There is no pressure to ‘advance’ or earn a right to speak; your standing is in Christ alone. Let this truth settle your heart. You are free to follow the Word, free to cherish the gospel, free in the security of His justification.