Who Are the Nicolaitans Found in Revelation?
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Who Are the Nicolaitans in the Bible?
In Revelation 2, the Lord Jesus Christ (through John) addressed “the seven churches that are in Asia” (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea). Within each message, Jesus commends and/or rebukes the members of each church. Only two churches receive commendation with no rebuke (Smyrna and Philadelphia). The rest have a combination, with Laodicea receiving the harshest reprimand (Revelation 3:14-22). Jesus directly mentioned the Nicolaitans in His declaration to the churches in Ephesus and Pergamum (Revelation 2:6,15).
In verse 6, Jesus addressed the church in Ephesus and commended them for hating their (the Nicolaitans’) works. In verse 15, He addressed the church in Pergamum and revealed that some of them “hold to the teachings of the Nicolaitans.” That statement served as a condemnation because, as stated in verse 6, Jesus hated their works. The KJV and NKJV render the word works in verse 15 as doctrine. A doctrine is a belief or set of beliefs that is held and taught by a church body.
As gleaned from these passages, we know the Nicolaitans sought to teach the church something other than the truth. Whether they added to or subtracted from, we do not know.
Some commentaries state the Nicolaitans were an unknown sect, yet according to extra-biblical sources (Smith's Bible Dictionary), the Nicolaitans were devotees of Nicolas (also known as Nicolaos). Within the context of the passage, their practices seemed to follow along with those who adhered to the teaching of Balaam (Revelation 2:14). Those philosophies included the adoption of pagan ways (eating food offered to idols and sexual sins) and compromising the word of God.
Other sources state Nicolas, the leader of the Nicolaitans, is the same as the one mentioned in Acts 6:5. He was introduced as a “proselyte from Antioch,” and his duties included daily service to the church (Acts 6:1). Irenaeus, Hippolytus, and Pseudo-Tertullian (early church fathers) said Nicolas founded the sect. Some other church fathers alluded to this by stating it was a vainglorious attempt by the sect to establish apostolic authority for their heretical doctrines.
What we must understand and take to heart (or take hold of as written in verse 15) is Jesus hated what they did.
What Was the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans?
If we look at the etymology of the word, Nicolaitans, we can break it into two parts. Nicos comes from the Greek, Nike, which means victor or victory. The second part of the word means the same in Greek and English, laity. Nicolaitanism, therefore, is defined as elevating the clergy over the laity, which is heresy. They did something that was like what the followers of Balaam did and are lumped together with them, but we do not know if they followed the same sinful doctrine.
The doctrine of the Nicolaitans, as shown in the two passages from Scripture:
-Is a heretical belief system
-Results in ungodly behavior
-Is hated by the Lord Jesus
Do We Still See the Nicolaitans' Ideology Used Today?
The Nicolaitans’ ideology is not clearly defined in Scripture. In the very broadest sense, yes, we do see aspects of their doctrine today in that they did what the Lord hates. Are there things done today that Jesus hates? Absolutely. The devil was busy in the lives of the early church and throughout the ages since. Satan is not original in any sense; he simply repackages old material. We, of course, see ideologies that exist today which counter God’s ordained way of life. The Nicolaitans’ doctrine was cited, and their name was mentioned in the Bible, but for the wrong reason! Jesus hated what they did.
In the same way, Jesus hates present-day sinful ideologies just as He did in the first century. He hasn’t changed (Hebrews 13:8).
The world, however, continues to change, and many people (as individuals and groups) can get drawn into what the world avows as pertinent. Adherents to worldly philosophies change with each “guru” who comes along and claims to know a “better way” or a “better practice” (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 11:1-21; 1 Timothy 6:3-5).
While we do not know what exactly the Nicolaitans’ doctrine was, we do know it was sinful because it deviated from Jesus’ teaching. Deviations from Scripture include (1) changing it (2) adding to it (Proverbs 30:6), and (3) deleting parts of it. It’s worth a look at the current false teachings that indeed sway believers away from the cross.
Examples include:
The Prosperity Gospel: Also known as the health and wealth gospel, or the Word of Faith movement. It claims God rewards faith by improving one’s finances and health. Proponents believe it is their divine right to receive riches and health based upon their errant view of the Abrahamic Covenant, Jesus’s atoning work, tithing, self-generated faith, and prayer. (To refute, see Matthew 6:19-21, Acts 8:20, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; 11:23-30, Revelation 3:17.)
The Works-Based Gospel, which believes we are saved by our works. (To refute, see Ephesians 2:8-9.)
The Moralism Gospel: This fallacy teaches the Gospel was given to make us “good people.” (To refute, see Matthew 19:17 and Romans 3:12.)
The Self-Help Gospel says Jesus died to make people better versions of themselves. (To refute, see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.)
Other false doctrine “gospels” include those of interfaith dialogue, permissive grace, social justice, new age spirituality, and sexual preference.
Each of the aforementioned beliefs veers from biblical truth. Each is guilty of adding to, changing, and deleting Scripture to suit their own human preferences. They attempt to make God in their own image. The Bible has a period at its end for a reason. God spoke and His word is enough (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3).
The whole fifth chapter of Ephesians is one to study when we want to know how we are to live as Christ-followers. People who do not “walk as children of light” serve as bullseye targets for the evil one and his horde of demons. They are open to anything (Ephesians 4:14). Start with Ephesians 5 and go either direction from there. The Scriptures are replete with directions on how to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
Following the Lord Jesus is our key to living a life pleasing to God, and our best offense and defense as Christians is knowing the Scriptures.
Why Should We Know about This Evil Group from Revelation?
As with any person or group action condemned by the Lord, we do not want to follow along as lemmings and embrace a deceptive ideology. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us all Scripture is given by God and is useful for “teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” Why? “…that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Scriptural accounts give us lessons both in good and bad behaviors. We do well to learn from both.
The practices of the Nicolaitans encompassed things the Lord hates, and the number one practice the Lord God hates is sin. Period. The opposite is godly love, and we are to love the Lord with all we are (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37). Anything else in or of the world which garners our love above our love for God is sin. We can look at 1 John 2:15-16 for a salient description. The love of the world includes the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life (1 John 2:15-16).
Following the Lord Jesus is our key to living a life pleasing to God, and our best offense and defense as Christians is knowing the Scriptures.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/KL Yuen
