The Nicolaitans are a mysterious group mentioned twice by name in the book of Revelation, in Jesus Christ’s letters to the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum. They are referenced in Revelation 2:6, 14-15:
“Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Revelation 2:6)
“But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” (Revelation 2:14-15)
These brief references indicate that the Nicolaitans were likely a heretical sect within the early church during the first century AD. However, there is much debate over exactly who the Nicolaitans were and what they taught.
Theories on the Identity of the Nicolaitans
There are several theories on the identity and background of the Nicolaitans:
1. They were followers of Nicolaus of Antioch
One view is that the Nicolaitans were a sect started by Nicolaus, one of the seven deacons appointed in Acts 6:5. Very little is known about this Nicolaus, except that he was a proselyte (convert to Judaism) from Antioch. According to early church writers like Irenaeus, Nicolaus was the founder of the Nicolaitans and he taught that it was permissible to eat food sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.
However, there is no clear evidence linking Nicolaus of Antioch to the later Nicolaitan sect. This belief seems to stem from confused and unsubstantiated early church traditions.
2. They followed the teachings of Nicolas of Samaria
A similar theory claims the Nicolaitans originated from Nicolas of Samaria, one of the seven deacons in Acts 6:5. Hippolytus of Rome asserted that after Nicolas was appointed as a deacon, he later apostatized from the faith and became the originator of the sect of the Nicolaitans. He accused Nicolas of teaching that it was necessary to abuse the flesh and to live licentiously for the sake of the soul.
However, these assertions about Nicolas are not trustworthy since they appear centuries after his life. Additionally, the early church fathers were divided about Nicolas of Samaria being connected to the Nicolaitans.
3. Their name comes from the Greek word “nikao” meaning “to conquer”
Another view links the name Nicolaitans to the Greek word nikao, meaning “to conquer” or “to overpower.” According to this theory, the name implies that the Nicolaitans sought to establish power over the laity and conquer the people. The name could be a symbolic or metaphorical reference to their actions rather than a specific leader named Nicolas.
Some claim the comparison in Revelation 2:6 and 2:15 between the teaching of the Nicolaitans and the teaching of Balaam supports this conquering view. Balaam induced the Israelites to commit idolatry and sexual sin (Numbers 25:1-3). So the Nicolaitans may have been using similar tactics of compromise to influence believers.
4. They retained gnostic practices and licentious tendencies from their pagan background
Another perspective is that the Nicolaitans were Gentile converts to Christianity who brought pagan and gnostic beliefs into the church. Being new converts, they may have introduced licentious practices from their former way of life into the Christian community.
This view fits with the condemnation of the Nicolaitans for idolatry and sexual immorality in Revelation 2 and their comparison to Balaam and Jezebel (who also led Israel into idolatry, Revelation 2:20). However, there is no specific evidence the Nicolaitans identified themselves with Gnosticism in the first century when Revelation was written.
Characteristics and Teachings of the Nicolaitans
Although their exact origins are uncertain, the Nicolaitans are clearly labeled as a heretical and immoral sect in Revelation 2:
- Jesus says He hates the practices/teaching of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6). This indicates they were promoting serious theological error and sinful behavior.
- They appear to have no disagreement with eating food sacrificed to idols and engaging in sexual immorality (Revelation 2:14-15). They had likely justified these practices.
- They are compared to Balaam and Jezebel who induced God’s people into idolatry and sexual sin (Revelation 2:14, 20). So the Nicolaitans likely led believers astray in similar ways.
- Their presence caused conflict in the church between those approving their doctrine and others rejecting it. Jesus commends the Ephesians who hate the Nicolaitans’ practices (Revelation 2:6).
Based on these references, here are some of the likely teachings and characteristics of the Nicolaitans:
1. Antinomianism
The Nicolaitans may have been antinomian, believing that Christians were not bound to follow traditional moral commandments and rules. Their comparison to figures like Balaam and Jezebel who enticed God’s people into immorality points to antinomian tendencies. They possibly claimed their “spiritual” state made them exempt from external moral requirements.
2. Idolatry
The Nicolaitans appear to have engaged in or approved of eating food sacrificed to pagan idols (Revelation 2:14-15). In the first century pagan temples, meat was often offered to idols before being sold publicly in the marketplace. Many Jewish and Gentile believers avoided such food since it implied participation in idol worship.
However, like the libertines Paul opposes in 1 Corinthians 8-10, the Nicolaitans may have taught that idols were not real so eating idol food was harmless. They ignored the conscience of other believers and participated in idolatrous practices.
3. Sexual Immorality
The comparison of the Nicolaitans to figures like Balaam and Jezebel suggests they condoned sexual immorality (Revelation 2:14, 20). Possibly, they used their “spiritual freedom” as an excuse to engage freely in sexual license. Their doctrine led people to brazenly sin in this area rather than promoting sexual purity.
4. Hierarchical Clergy System
Some relate the meaning of their name (“conquerors of the people”) to the idea that the Nicolaitans promoted a separation between clergy and laity. They may have emphasized a hierarchical system where an elite group ruled over the average church members. However, there is no direct evidence in Scripture they endorsed a clerical system.
In summary, the Nicolaitans were likely promoting a version of “Christian liberty” and spiritual enlightenment that condoned idolatry and immorality. Their doctrine led many believers down a sinful path. The warnings against them remind us to be vigilant against false teaching that twists God’s grace into an excuse for sin.
Early Church References to the Nicolaitans
The early church fathers add some details about the Nicolaitans, although as mentioned above, their accounts should be viewed with caution:
- Irenaeus: Identified them as followers of Nicolaus of Antioch who taught lax doctrines around idolatry and sexual immorality.
- Hippolytus: Also attributed them to Nicolaus of Antioch’s leadership. Claimed they abandoned themselves to pleasure like goats.
- Epiphanius: Similarly connected them to Nicolaus of Antioch. Accused them of wicked and magical practices involving promiscuous sex.
- Victorinus: Believed the Nicolaitans taught that God should be worshipped through sensual indulgence. Identified Nicolaus of Samaria as their possible founder.
- Clement of Alexandria: Indicated some Nicolaitans apostatized back to indulging the flesh after becoming ascetics. However, he distinguished them from Nicolaus’ followers.
Most significantly, these early church fathers emphasize the Nicolaitans’ promotion of unrestrained indulgence in sensual and sexual desires. They possibly encouraged such license through a distorted view of “Christian freedom.”
Relevance of the Nicolaitans Today
While the Nicolaitans no longer exist as a distinct sect, heirs to their doctrine remain active in the church today. There is an antinomian tendency among some groups to abuse the free grace of the gospel by twisting it to excuse lawlessness. The warnings against the immoral Nicolaitans remind believers to steer clear of doctrines condoning:
- Antinomianism – Rejecting moral laws and rules as unnecessary for “spiritually enlightened” Christians.
- Idolatry – Compromising our devotion to God by participating in false religions and their practices.
- Sexual Immorality – Using grace as a pretense for sexual license and indulgence of sinful desires.
In contrast, we are called to carefully follow Christ and apply the true biblical teaching on Christian freedom and grace. Our salvation and forgiveness in Christ leads us into righteous living, not licentiousness. Just as the Ephesians hated the Nicolaitans’ practices, the church today must reject doctrines excusing immorality and calling evil good.