Revelation 2

PLUS
Chapter 2

2:6  But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Nicolaitanes

From nikao, "to conquer," and laos, "the people," or "laity." There is no ancient authority for a sect of the Nicolaitanes. If the word is symbolic it refers to the earliest form of the notion of a priestly order, or "clergy," which later divided an equal brotherhood Matthew 23:8 into "priests" and "laity." What in Ephesus was "deeds" Revelation 2:6 had become in Pergamos a "doctrine Revelation 2:15 .

Nicolaitanes Revelation 2:15, contra, ; 1 Peter 5:2 1 Peter 5:3 ; Matthew 24:49 .

2:8  And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

angel

(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4") .

2:12  And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

angel

(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4") .

2:14  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

The "doctrine" of Balaam

The doctrine of Balaam (CF) (See Scofield "2 Peter 2:15") See Scofield " Jude 1:11 " was his teaching Balak to corrupt the people who could not be cursed. ; Numbers 31:15 Numbers 31:16 ; 22:5 ; 23:8 by tempting them to marry women of Moab, defile their separation, and abandon their pilgrim character. It is that union with the world and the church which is spiritual unchastity. James 4:4 . Pergamos had lost the pilgrim character and was "dwelling" Revelation 2:13 "where Satan's throne is," in the world. ; John 12:31 ; 14:30 ; 16:11 .

2:17  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

a white stone

Signifies approval.

2:18  And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

angel

(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4") .