Nicolaitanes: General Scriptures Concerning
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The Nicolaitanes are mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation. They are referenced in the context of early Christian communities and are associated with practices and teachings that were considered heretical by the apostolic church.

Revelation 2:6 :
"But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."

In this passage, the risen Christ commends the church in Ephesus for their rejection of the Nicolaitanes' practices. The text indicates that the Nicolaitanes' deeds were detestable to both the Ephesian believers and to Christ Himself. This suggests that their actions or teachings were in direct opposition to the core tenets of the Christian faith as understood by the early church.

Revelation 2:15 :
"In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans."

Here, the message to the church in Pergamum highlights that some members of the congregation were adhering to the teachings of the Nicolaitanes. This is presented as a point of concern, indicating that their doctrine was infiltrating the church and leading believers astray. The context implies a call to repentance and a return to orthodox Christian beliefs.

The Nicolaitanes are often associated with moral and doctrinal compromise. Early church fathers, such as Irenaeus and Hippolytus, suggested that the Nicolaitanes promoted a form of antinomianism, which is the belief that Christians are released by grace from the obligation of observing the moral law. This interpretation aligns with the warnings in Revelation, where their teachings are juxtaposed with the call to maintain purity and faithfulness to the teachings of Christ.

The Nicolaitanes are sometimes linked to the figure of Nicolas, one of the seven deacons mentioned in Acts 6:5. However, this connection is speculative and not explicitly supported by scriptural evidence. The primary concern in the biblical text is the nature of their teachings and practices, which were seen as a threat to the spiritual integrity of the Christian community.

In summary, the Nicolaitanes are depicted in the Book of Revelation as a group whose teachings and practices were contrary to the apostolic doctrine. They are associated with moral laxity and doctrinal error, and their influence is portrayed as something to be resisted by faithful believers.
Nave's Topical Index
Revelation 2:6,15
But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

[Endnotes]
... which would lead to the conclusion that, in the hour of general destruction, they ...
The Geneva Bible was the first English version of the Scriptures into which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... In the general, I know it may be taken many ways ... Hence it is said concerning Abraham,
that, in order to his ... This is plain from a great many scriptures; as that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

Resources
Questions about Revelation | GotQuestions.org

What is a leviathan spirit? | GotQuestions.org

What is a python spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Nicolaitanes
Top of Page
Top of Page