What were the "deeds of the Nicolaitans" mentioned in Revelation 2:6? The Setting in Revelation 2:6 • “But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Revelation 2:6) • Spoken to the church in Ephesus—believers commended for rejecting a movement Jesus Himself despises. Who Were the Nicolaitans? • The name combines Greek roots: niko (“to conquer”) + laos (“people”)—implying domination or subjugation of God’s people. • Early church writers (Ignatius, Irenaeus, Hippolytus) trace them to “Nicolas of Antioch” (Acts 6:5). He apparently abandoned sound doctrine and gathered a following that mixed Christianity with pagan license. • Revelation 2:15 links their teaching to the compromise described in 2:14 (“the teaching of Balaam”), anchoring their error in Old-Testament history. What Were Their Deeds? Scripture connects the Nicolaitan error with two specific sins: 1. Idolatrous Compromise – Revelation 2:14 pairs them with those who “eat food sacrificed to idols.” – 1 Corinthians 10:20-22 warns believers not to share “the cup of demons.” – Acts 15:29 records the apostolic decree to “abstain from food sacrificed to idols.” 2. Sexual Immorality – Revelation 2:14 again: “and commit sexual immorality.” – Jude 4 describes teachers who “turn the grace of our God into sensuality.” – 2 Peter 2:13-14 depicts false teachers “reveling in their deceptions… having eyes full of adultery.” Underlying Beliefs That Fueled Those Deeds • Antinomianism—twisting grace into permission for sin (Romans 6:1-2). • A “spiritual-only” view of faith, dismissing bodily holiness (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). • Possible push for hierarchical control—“conquering the people”—contrary to Jesus’ servant-leadership model (Mark 10:42-45). Why Jesus Hates These Works • They defile the purity of His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). • They misrepresent the Gospel, leading believers back into bondage (Galatians 5:1, 13). • They cause stumbling blocks, echoing Balaam’s ancient treachery (Numbers 31:16). Take-Home Lessons for Today • Guard doctrine and lifestyle together—truth without holiness or holiness without truth both falter (1 Timothy 4:16). • Reject any teaching that excuses sin under the banner of liberty (Galatians 5:19-21). • Remain distinct from cultural idolatry; worship belongs to Christ alone (1 John 5:21). • Uphold servant leadership that elevates others rather than “conquering” them (1 Peter 5:2-3). Summary The “deeds of the Nicolaitans” were acts of idolatrous compromise and sexual immorality justified by distorted doctrine. Jesus applauds the Ephesian believers for hating what He hates, and His warning still calls the church to uncompromising fidelity today. |
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