Why does God commend the Ephesians' hatred of the Nicolaitans in Revelation 2:6? A Snapshot of Revelation 2:6 “Yet you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Revelation 2:6) Who Were the Nicolaitans? - An early sect linked to license—teaching believers they could blend Christianity with pagan practices. - Likely promoted participation in idolatrous feasts and sexual immorality (cf. Revelation 2:14–15; Numbers 25:1–3). - Their name may echo “Nikolaos” (“conqueror of the people”), hinting at a power‐seeking, manipulative leadership. - In short, they encouraged the very compromises the apostles warned against (Acts 15:29; 1 Corinthians 6:18). Why Their Teaching Was Toxic - It directly contradicted the call to holiness (Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:15–16). - It undermined Christ’s work by excusing sin (Romans 6:1–2). - It threatened the witness of the church to a watching world (Philippians 2:15). - It replicated Balaam’s ancient stumbling block—food offered to idols and sexual immorality (Revelation 2:14). Christ’s Commendation Explained - God expects His people to hate what He hates: “Let those who love the LORD hate evil” (Psalm 97:10). - The Ephesian church showed discerning love—clinging to truth while rejecting corruption (2 John 9–11). - Their stance fulfilled Paul’s earlier warning: “Savage wolves will come… even from your own number” (Acts 20:29–30). - Hatred of false works protected the flock and preserved pure worship (Galatians 1:8–9). - Jesus’ “I also hate” reveals His unchanged character: He opposes sin for the good of His people (Hebrews 13:8). Contrast with Pergamum - Pergamum tolerated the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:15) and was rebuked. - Ephesus rejected them and was praised—showing that tolerance of error invites judgment, while resistance brings commendation. Lessons for Believers Today - Love must be anchored to truth; real love refuses to endorse what harms souls (Ephesians 4:15). - Doctrinal vigilance is an act of worship, not narrow‐mindedness (Jude 3–4). - Hate the works, not the persons—seeking their repentance while refusing their practices (2 Timothy 2:24–26). - Guard the church’s purity by testing every teaching against Scripture (1 John 4:1). - Remain confident: Christ stands with those who uphold His truth (Revelation 2:7). |
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