Who were the Nicolatians?

Revelation 2:6
6 But you do have this going for you: You hate what the Nicolaitans practice—practices I also hate.
(NET)

Revelation 2:15
15 In the same way, there are also some among you who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (NET)

Recently, I have begun to wonder about this group of people Jesus actually uses the word hate with. Growing up in the church I was always taught that they were a group that wanted to dominate the laity and was part of the early church placing the minister in power over the laity. Of course, this was taught from churches that had power structures very similar to that of the one they preached against. This brings me to the question that has been plaguing me the past few days, who were these people and what did they teach?

I first thought the idea I was taught came down from the early church fathers but was shocked to find it came from the work of C.I. Scoffield in the early 20th century. He wrote that the Nicolaitans were the earliest notion of a priestly order or clergy which later divided into the clergy and the laity. This seems like an odd thing to hate as Paul talked about leadership in the church, and its related offices.

Of course, I do understand that abuse of power happens and that for some the idea of ministry is not to shepherd a flock but to be the boss and run the church. Let's be honest there are several denominations that are as political as the world and some of its leaders have agendas that are suspect, but is that what Christ is refferring to?

So I began to dig back into the early church writing seeking clues to this group and their teachings. Some attribute the beginning of this group to the deacon Nicolas from Acts 6:5  a "Gentile convert to Judaism from Antioch." So he was a pagan who became a Jew who then became a Christian.  He had changed his belief structure 3 times and was now serving in leadership. On that point everyone agrees, but then the early writers divide. Some defend Nicolas saying the Nicolaitans falsely connected themselves with him, while others say that he led men to live lives of "unrestrained indulgence."

The truth about this group is easily understood when you look at the complete picture and remove our western mindset and remember the original audience. The early church started out as an offshoot of Judaism, and the majority of the early members were Jews who accepted Christ as the Messiah. The Gentiles (non-Jews) who came from pagan practices, came in with varying customs and ideas that had to be changed in order for them to truly accept Christ. As the church grew, the leadership had to deal with the two groups and establish some sort of baseline of behavior so the church could function. Eventually, they settled on the Gentiles did not have to become Jews to be Christians, but that it would be advisable that they abstain from eating meat sacrificed to idols and fornication.

This would separate them from their pagan roots and help them live lives separated to the Gospel of Christ. This is where the deeds and doctrine of the Nicolaitans begin to take hold. The new converts were told that they could still keep their pagan roots because they really didn't mean anything and still serve Christ. The flesh did not impact the spirit, in reality, they were preaching compromise.

The Nicolaitans created churches that were powerless, and weak, where there was no need for repentance, and sin is winked at as a necessary part of human existence.   I will give you 4 hallmarks of this doctrine as it appears today in our churches. This list is in no way inclusive, but these stand out to me.

1. The need for inclusiveness. Everyone needs to come regardless of their beliefs because there isn't one truth but many. These disregard the teachings of the Bible in favor of large crowds and no conflict with the world.

2. No emphasis on doctrine- They preach a social gospel using the Bible as a reference and book of illustrations and stories. Many believers today do not know the doctrines taught in the Bible as many churches no longer have Sunday School, new convert classes, Bible study that uses the Bible or any medium to teach doctrine. Is it any wonder why so many are easily deceived!

3. There are no absolutes- Truth is relative, there are many right answers. All religions are the same, so why worry about them. This is like saying there are many definitions of a mile when all over the world the accepted measurement has been standardized. There are absolutes and without them, society as a whole will crumble.

4. Everyone gets to go to heaven, regardless of their acceptance of Christ.- This is the doctrine of universalism and it is again rearing its head in the mainstream media. This is in stark contrast to the very words of Christ.

Whether you believe it or not, Jesus is coming back after His bride, the only question is will you be in that group. Repentance is key, it is turning away from your old life and living the new life He gives you through the power of the Spirit. I pray that as you have read my brain musing at 4:40 am in the morning will cause you to think, pray, repent, and walk with Christ in a way that will lead you to His kingdom.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.