Nicolaitans mentioned in Revelation 2:6, 14-15
A word often overlooked in Revelations 2: 6, 14-15. I would like to explore this word briefly because I feel it a pivotal point in understanding this letter to Pergamos. I will use three resources for this brief look: “The Orthodoxy of the Church,” by Watchman Nee; “The Complete Word Study,” by Spiros Zodhiates Th.D., and “Greek and Hebrew Expository,” by W. E. Vines, Merrill Unger, and William White, Jr.
Vines
Interestingly this expository excludes the word or any reference to it. It is in the Scriptures and should be listed as a major word since it describes the attitudes, heart, and mind of those who would attribute authority in this manner.
Watchman Nee
When Constantine accepted Christianity, the teachings of Balaam occurred and the teachings of the Nicolaitans appeared. Among the many fathers, the one who stands above them all is the pope. When anyone kisses his feet, he must cry, “My Lord.” At the same time there are high officials in the Vatican, with many countries represented by ambassadors and ministers. There are kings and high officials, there are those who are called fathers and those who are called rabbi. This is the teaching of the Nicolaitans. For this reason, those who have position and reputation in the world must be careful not to bring the things of the world into a gathering of believers, or the church. If you cannot call the humble one who sits beside you a brother, there is something wrong with you. When you are sitting among the brothers and sisters, and yet you cannot be a brother or sister, then the Nicolaitans appear. The word “laos” in the original Greek word “Nikaolaos” not only means laity (common people), but it also means layman in contrast with experts and specialists. For example, the medical doctors are specialists, and those who are not are called by them laymen. When a carpenter meets another carpenter, they are of the same trade and both experts. When he meets one who is not a carpenter, he calls him a layman, one outside the trade. Nicolait means to conquer the laymen, which means there is a group of people who are the experts, the men inside the trade, while the rest are the laymen, the men outside the trade.
The condition of the church in Ephesus and that of the church in Pergamos is different. The church in Ephesus has only the behavior of the Nicolaitans, it takes some time for behavior to become a teaching.
Comment: This is a clear demarcation, one where a church becomes worldly and one where God is placed as subordinate to the officiate of the church, while stating that they represent Christ Jesus.
Spiros Zodhiates: An adherent of Nikolaos, or a Nicolaitan. An ancient sect whose deeds were expressly and strongly reprobate (Rev. 2:6, 15). Some have supposed that they were the followers of Nicolas (Acts 6:5), one of the first deacons of the church, whom they regard as having apostatized from the true faith. For this view, however, there is no authority. Others regard the term “Nicolaitans” as a symbolic expression. Since Nicolaos means victor of the people, and Balaam means devourer of the people, the two in symbolic unity signify religious seducers of the people. It is more probable that the Nicolaitans were identical with those who held the doctrine of Balaam, mentioned in Rev. 2:14(cf. 2 Pet. 2:15), so that likely the Nicolaitans practiced fornication and eating of things sacrificed to idols while outwardly professing Christianity.
Comment: Here is the key area that Watchman states must not be brought among the gathering of believers–the things of this world. We often see things of this nature taking place among us as we gather to celebrate our salvation. We must be careful not to allow this to happen by being obedient when the Holy Spirit prompts us to speak the words given us. Quench not the Spirit, speak the truth as given! One final word: Watch the church organizations today with a close eye; many will expose their true nature by attempting to become the voice of the congregation instead of being the shepherds of our Lord. They will attempt with vigor to allow practices to be accepted that are abhorrent to the Lord and ones we should not allow at all; examine the scriptures for what these are–they are all presented. Be watchful and vigilant concerning the things of your faith.
Mike Kovach
15 April 1999
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