Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Nicolas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is identified as one of the seven men chosen by the early Christian community to serve and manage the distribution of food to the widows, a role that allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. This selection is recorded in Acts 6:5: "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."Background and Role Nicolas is described as a proselyte from Antioch, indicating that he was a Gentile who had converted to Judaism before embracing the Christian faith. His inclusion among the seven deacons highlights the early church's commitment to diversity and the integration of Gentile believers into the Christian community. The selection of Nicolas and the other six men was a response to a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, recognizing the need for equitable distribution and the importance of maintaining unity within the church, appointed these men to ensure fair treatment and to address the practical needs of the community. Theological Significance Nicolas's role as one of the seven deacons underscores the early church's emphasis on service and the practical outworking of faith. The appointment of deacons was an important development in the church's structure, allowing the apostles to dedicate themselves to spiritual leadership while ensuring that the physical needs of the congregation were met. This division of labor reflects the biblical principle that different members of the body of Christ have different roles and gifts, all contributing to the health and growth of the church. Controversial Associations In later Christian writings, particularly those of the early church fathers, Nicolas is sometimes associated with the Nicolaitans, a group mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 2:6 and 2:15 refer to the Nicolaitans, whose practices and teachings were condemned by Christ in His messages to the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum. However, there is no direct biblical evidence linking Nicolas of Antioch to the Nicolaitans, and the association is largely speculative. The Nicolaitans are described as promoting practices contrary to Christian teaching, but the exact nature of their doctrine is not detailed in Scripture. Legacy While Nicolas's direct contributions to the early church are not extensively documented beyond his appointment as a deacon, his inclusion in the list of the seven highlights the early church's commitment to inclusivity and service. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing both spiritual and physical needs within the Christian community, and the role of diverse backgrounds in enriching the body of Christ. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary NicolasSmith's Bible Dictionary Nicolas(victor of the people), (Acts 6:5) a native of Antioch and a proselyte to the Jewish faith. When the church was still confined to Jerusalem, he became a convert and being a man of honest report full of the Holy Ghost and of wisdom, he was chosen by the whole multitude of the disciples to be one of the first seven deacons, and was ordained by the apostles. There is no reason except the simplicity of name for identifying Nicolas with the sect of Nicolaitans which our Lord denounces, for the traditions on the subject are of no value. ATS Bible Dictionary NicolasA proselyte of Antioch, that is, one converted from paganism to the religion of the Jews. He afterwards embraced Christianity, and was among the most zealous of the first Christians; so that he was chosen one of the first seven deacons of the church at Jerusalem, Acts 6:5. Easton's Bible Dictionary The victory of the people, a proselyte of Antioch, one of the seven deacons (Acts 6:5). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NICOLAUS; NICOLASnik-o-la'-us (English Versions of the Bible), nik'-o-las (Nikolaos): One of "the seven" chosen to have the oversight of "the daily ministration" to the poor of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5). He is called "a proselyte of Antioch"; the other 6 were therefore probably Jews by birth. This is the first recorded case of the admission of a proselyte into office in the Christian church. Some of the church Fathers (Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Pseudo-Tertullian) state that he was the founder of the sect called NICOLAITANS (which see) (Revelation 2:15). Other Fathers seem to suggest that this was a vain claim made by this sect in seeking apostolic authority for their opinions. It may be that the opinions of this sect were an antinomian exaggeration of the preaching of Nicolaus. Greek 3532. Nikolaos -- Nicolaus, a Christian, probably not connected ... ... Word Origin from nikos and laos Definition Nicolaus, a Christian, probably not connected with the sect bearing the same name NASB Word Usage Nicolas (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3532.htm - 6k Library Nicolas V and Pius ii (Ad 1447-1464) Nicolas Hermann Nicolaus and the Sect Named after Him. Religious Sects and Parties Julius ii and Leo X (Ad 1503-1521) Whether it is Lawful to Kill a Man in Self-Defense? Whether one that is not Baptized Can Confer the Sacrament of ... Acts VI Acts v. 34 Author's Introduction, Thesaurus Nicolas (1 Occurrence)... 5). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NICOLAUS; NICOLAS. nik ... Nicolaus. SF Hunter. Multi-Version Concordance Nicolas (1 Occurrence). Acts ... /n/nicolas.htm - 8k Nicolaus (1 Occurrence) Commentaries Hebrew (37 Occurrences) Vaticanus Nicola'itans (2 Occurrences) Pharzites Pharpar (1 Occurrence) Pleasing (185 Occurrences) Approval (75 Occurrences) Resources Who are the Nicolaitans mentioned in Revelation 2:6, 14-15? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is The Old Path / Members Church of God International / Ang Dating Daan? | GotQuestions.org What is the Antiochian Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Nicolas (1 Occurrence)Acts 6:5 Subtopics Nicolas: A Proselyte of Antioch, and Servant (Greek: Diakonos) of the Congregation at Jerusalem Related Terms |
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