Lexical Summary Nikolaos: Nicolas Original Word: Νικόλαος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nicolaus. From nikos and Laodikeus; victorious over the people; Nicolaus, a heretic -- Nicolaus. see GREEK nikos see GREEK Laodikeus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nikos and laos Definition Nicolaus, a Christian, probably not connected with the sect bearing the same name NASB Translation Nicolas (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3532: ΝικόλαοςΝικόλαος, Νικολαου, ὁ (νίκη and λαός), Nicolaus (A. V. Nicolas), a proselyte of Antioch and one of the seven deacons of the church at Jerusalem: Acts 6:5. Topical Lexicon Person and Background Nicolas (Strong’s Greek 3532, Νικόλαος) appears only once in the New Testament record, Acts 6:5, where he is identified as “a proselyte from Antioch.” A proselyte was a Gentile convert to Judaism who had embraced the covenant sign of circumcision and the obligations of the Law (Exodus 12:48; Isaiah 56:3-7). Antioch of Syria, his home city, was a major Hellenistic center with a large Jewish population and would later become a key base for Gentile mission (Acts 11:19-26; 13:1-3). Nicolas’ name, meaning “victor over the people,” hints at a Hellenistic background and the cultural diversity already present in the Jerusalem congregation. Selection Among the Seven As murmuring arose between the Hellenistic and Hebraic believers over the daily distribution to widows, “the Twelve summoned all the disciples” and instructed them to select seven reputable men “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:2-3). The church chose Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, “and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch” (Acts 6:5). The choice of a Gentile-born convert demonstrates the early church’s resolve to address cultural tensions with inclusive leadership. Because the seven all bear Greek names, they likely represented the very constituency that felt overlooked, thus embodying practical reconciliation in fellowship (Romans 12:16; Ephesians 2:14-16). Role in Early Church Ministry While Acts gives no personal exploits of Nicolas, his inclusion among those entrusted with daily food distribution underscores several ministry principles: Nicolas therefore shares in the lasting fruit that followed the seven’s appointment: “the word of God continued to spread” (Acts 6:7). Antioch: Seedbed of Gospel Expansion Antioch would soon eclipse Jerusalem as the launching pad for missionary outreach (Acts 11:19-26). Nicolas’ origin foreshadows this shift. Whether he returned to his native city or remained in Jerusalem, his presence among the seven testifies that Gentile believers were welcomed into leadership even before the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10) and the deliberations of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). Proselyte Status and Theological Significance As a full proselyte, Nicolas stood at the intersection of Law and Gospel. In Christ the dividing wall had been removed (Ephesians 2:13-15). His selection affirms that faith in Jesus, rather than ethnic lineage, defines the people of God (Galatians 3:28-29). Nicolas thus illustrates the “one new man” of Jew and Gentile united in service. Possible Connection with the Nicolaitans Some early church writers (Irenaeus, Hippolytus) associated Nicolas with the Nicolaitans denounced in Revelation 2:6, 15. Scripture itself does not endorse this link, and later testimonies (e.g., Clement of Alexandria) defend Nicolas’ character, suggesting that a faction merely adopted his name. A sober approach treats the connection as unproven; the New Testament presents Nicolas only positively. Believers should beware of tarnishing a faithful servant through speculative tradition (Proverbs 18:13). Lessons for Christian Service 1. Servant leadership embraces cultural diversity without compromising truth (Philippians 2:1-4). Legacy in Church History Though Scripture falls silent after Acts 6, Nicolas’ legacy lives on wherever deacons and volunteers quietly ensure that physical needs are met so spiritual needs may be addressed. His account calls the church to recognize and commission those whom God has gifted for practical service, trusting that even hidden acts of faithfulness contribute to the unstoppable spread of the word of God. Forms and Transliterations και Νικολαον Νικόλαον νικοποιείν Nikolaon NikólaonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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