The Nicolaitans are only mentioned twice in the Bible, with both times being in the Book of Revelation. Little is known about this group other than their practices were not looked upon favorably by God.
Ephesus And The Nicolaitans
Speaking to the Church in Ephesus, God makes them aware of some things he holds against them. Even though God warns Ephesus they need to repent over some things, God tells them there is something they do have in their favor, the fact they hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, as did God. (Revelation 2:6)
Pergamum And The Nicolaitans
A few verses later in the same chapter, God is speaking to the church in Pergamum. His complaint against them:
“You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” (Revelation 2:14-16)
The Nicolaitans appear to be linked to similar teachings like those of Balaam in the Old Testament. Balaam was telling Balak how to teach the people of Israel to sin by eating food offered to idols, as well as committing sexual sins. Similar, if not the same sins were being followed and taught by the Nicolaitans.
Was Nicolas the Leader of the Nicolaitans?
Some believe the Nicolaitans were followers of Nicolas from Antioch. Nicolas is listed among seven men chosen in (Acts 6:5) to be among the first deacons in the Christian Church. Even though there is no biblical evidence for it, some are of the opinion he lost his way as a Christian and became the founder of the group that was in theory named after him.
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