Revelation 2:6 (KJV)
“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
Introduction
Among the warnings Jesus gives to the early churches in the book of Revelation, few are as striking as His denunciation of “the deeds” and “the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” Though mentioned only briefly, their influence was evidently dangerous enough for Christ Himself to publicly condemn them. Understanding who the Nicolaitans were—and why their doctrine provoked the hatred of the Lord—equips the church today to resist compromise and remain faithful in a culture that constantly pressures believers to blend in.
The Historical Background of the Nicolaitans
The Nicolaitans are referenced twice in Scripture—Revelation 2:6 and Revelation 2:15. The name itself is widely believed to derive from Nicolas, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6:5. Early Christian writers such as Irenaeus and Hippolytus stated that Nicolas later departed from the faith, becoming the founder or inspiration of a sect promoting ungodly liberty and moral looseness. While not all scholars agree on whether Nicolas himself apostatized, the early church consistently associated the Nicolaitans with compromise, sensual indulgence, and participation in pagan practices.
Their name carries symbolic meaning. “Nico” means “to conquer” and “laitans” refers to “the people.” The doctrine of the Nicolaitans, therefore, may also imply a system that subjugates God’s people under corrupt spiritual authority, blending hierarchical abuse with moral corruption.
The Doctrine of Compromise
In Revelation 2:14–15, Jesus links the Nicolaitans with the error of Balaam. Balaam taught Israel to eat things sacrificed to idols and commit fornication (Numbers 25; 31:16). Likewise, the Nicolaitans encouraged believers to participate in the idolatrous feasts and immoral customs of their surrounding culture.
Their core teachings likely included:
- Moral License: Claiming that grace allowed participation in sinful behavior.
- Idolatrous Fellowship: Encouraging Christians to join pagan feasts and rituals.
- Blending with the World: Promoting spiritual compromise for social acceptance.
- Hierarchical Abuse: Establishing domineering spiritual structures similar to pagan priesthoods.
This doctrine struck at the heart of Christ’s command for His people to be holy, separate, and undefiled.
Why Jesus Hated Their Deeds
Jesus did not merely disagree with the Nicolaitans—He said He hated their deeds. This strong language reveals the seriousness of their influence.
1. Their teaching corrupted the purity of the church.
Christ died to cleanse His bride; the Nicolaitan doctrine encouraged her to return to the filth of idolatry.
2. They attempted to merge two kingdoms.
Jesus demands complete loyalty. The Nicolaitans blurred the lines between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.
3. Their doctrine destroyed spiritual authority.
While shepherding is biblical, domineering control or spiritual elitism is condemned. Nicolaitan structures exalted leaders while diminishing the priesthood of all believers.
4. They repeated the ancient deception of Balaam.
Whether by enticement or pressure, they sought to seduce believers into sin under the guise of liberty.
The Prophetic Warning for Today
The Nicolaitans serve as a prophetic picture of end-time compromise. Jesus warned the churches in Revelation because He foresaw the rise of similar doctrines before His return.
Modern expressions of Nicolaitan tendencies include:
- Moral compromise disguised as “grace.”
- Churches adopting worldly philosophies to remain popular.
- Spiritual leaders exercising unbiblical control or building celebrity-style authority.
- Believers blending biblical faith with pagan ideas, occult influences, or sensuality.
- Tolerance of sin in the name of “love” rather than calling for repentance.
The doctrine of the Nicolaitans is alive wherever holiness is minimized, truth is diluted, and spiritual overseers use authority for personal gain.
Christ’s Call to the Faithful
To the church at Ephesus, Jesus commended them for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans. To the church at Pergamos, He demanded repentance because some within them embraced their doctrine.
The message is unmistakable:
Christ calls His church to reject every form of compromise and remain loyal to Him alone.
Holiness is not optional. Separation from the world is not outdated. Doctrinal purity is not legalism—it is faithfulness to Christ.
Conclusion
The Nicolaitans represent a spirit of compromise that weakens the testimony of the church and opposes the holiness of God. Their doctrines blurred moral boundaries, encouraged fellowship with idolatry, and fostered corrupt spiritual authority. Jesus’ hatred for their deeds underscores the seriousness of maintaining purity, doctrine, and devotion to Him.
The church today faces the same temptations—pressure to conform, seduction toward moral looseness, and systems that exalt men rather than Christ. But the Lord calls His people to stand firm, reject compromise, and walk in the light of His truth.
Let every believer hear what the Spirit says to the churches: Hold fast to purity. Reject the doctrine of compromise. Follow the Lamb with a whole and undivided heart.