Walking in the Footsteps of Gamaliel: A Vision for Human Dignity and Freedom in Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
During my campaign as an independent democratic candidate for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District, I often reflected on the figures from history and scripture who inspired my journey. Among the most compelling was Gamaliel, a wise and respected Pharisee whose example offers timeless lessons on humility, justice, and the courage to speak up for what is right. Gamaliel is mentioned twice in the New Testament: first in Acts 5:34–40, where he counseled restraint and justice before the Sanhedrin, and again in Acts 22:3, where Paul recalled being educated “at the feet of Gamaliel,” signaling the depth of Gamaliel’s wisdom and influence.
“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while... Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go. For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
—Acts 5:34, 38–39 (NIV)
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors.”
—Acts 22:3 (NIV)
A Liberation Theology Interpretation
Through the lens of liberation theology, Gamaliel’s actions model a radical openness to God’s movement among the marginalized and oppressed. In Acts 5, he advocates for the apostles’ lives, insisting that true justice listens to the voices of those challenging the status quo and refuses to crush new movements for fear or convenience. Liberation theology teaches that God’s justice is revealed in the struggle of the poor, the outcast, and the “least of these”—and that authentic faith demands solidarity with their cause.
When Paul identifies himself as a student of Gamaliel in Acts 22, he claims a tradition of rigorous engagement with both law and conscience—a tradition that values discernment, compassion, and humility over rigid legalism. This tradition calls us, too, to build a society rooted in the dignity of every person.
Connecting Gamaliel’s Legacy to Our Campaign
These biblical passages—and their liberation theology reading—are not just historical footnotes. They remain living calls to action for our own time. My campaign was grounded in the belief that real change comes when we honor human dignity, champion justice, and expand freedom for all. That’s why I ran on a platform centered on Universal Basic Income (UBI), funded by a Green Marshall Plan. Like Gamaliel, I sought to listen before judging, to protect the vulnerable, and to stand courageously for policies that empower every member of our community. Although the campaign has ended, the work and the vision continue as we build a movement for justice, dignity, and freedom.
As we walk in the footsteps of Gamaliel—and in the tradition of movements like the Gamaliel Foundation, where a young Barack Obama began his journey as a community organizer—we continue the work of building a society where every person’s voice is heard and every person’s needs are met. Join the Movement: Keep the Vision Alive
Although my campaign for Congress has concluded, the work of building a community grounded in the values of Gamaliel—justice, human dignity, and freedom—continues. I invite you to stay connected and be part of this ongoing movement.
Together, we can keep walking in the footsteps of Gamaliel and make real change possible.
Sincerely,
Gamy Enriquez, MPA
