The Nicolaitans mentioned in the Book of (Revelation 2:6) described as a heretical sect whose teachings and practices were strongly condemned by Jesus. Their influence was in the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum where false doctrine was promoted.
Their practice was condemned in the Book of Revelation, their name thought to be Greek like ‘nikao’ meaning to conquer or to overcome; and ‘laos’ meaning people. Believed to have followed the teachings of a man named Nicolas mentioned in (Acts 6:5). They were followers of Balaam, this is taught in (Revelation 2:15).
Nicolaitans taught doctrines that led believers away from truth, including licentiousness, and the abuse of grace. They ate foods sacrificed to idols, and committed acts of sexual immorality, similar to the teachings of Balaam. The practice of elevating the clergy over the laity, was seen as a form of heresy. Jesus hated their practices and teachings, associating them with spiritual death and destruction.
Although their sect have faded into historical obscurity, the ideologies they represented, such as false doctrines and moral compromises persist in various forms today. We must recognize and address similar issues in contemporary Christian practice, the culture cannot become indoctrination.
Revelation 2:6
New International Version
6 “But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
Revelation 2:6
King James Version
6 “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.”
Revelation 2:6
Living Bible
6 “ “But there is this about you that is good: You hate the deeds of the licentious Nicolaitans, just as I do.”
Acts 6:5
New International Version
5 “This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.”
Acts 6:5
King James Version
5 “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:”
Acts 6:5
Living Bible
5 “This sounded reasonable to the whole assembly, and they elected the following: Stephen (a man unusually full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolaus of Antioch (a Gentile convert to the Jewish faith, who had become a Christian).”
Revelation 2:15
New International Version
15 “Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”
Revelation 2:15
King James Version
15 “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.”
Revelation 2:15
Living Bible
15 “Yes, you have some of these very same followers of Balaam among you!”