Nicolaitans: Outwardly Pious

Nicolas, one of the first church Deacons, (Acts 6:5) develops and teaches a doctrine that is named after him. In his doctrine based on Greek dualism, he and his followers declared that Christian are sinners saved by grace which meant Christians could look like the world, dress like the world, and live like the world in all types of sin and still remain saved. His teaching laid the foundation for the development of the doctrines of Eternal Security, once saved always saved and confession to a priest while living in sin. Since his teaching required no outward or inward change to be saved (No Repentance), he and his followers attracted large numbers of converts both from the many pagan religious systems of his day and the early Christian church world. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans violated apostles teachings, and thus the ones of Jesus as well, on selfsanctification and holiness. (Ro 6:1, 12:1, I Thl 4:3-7, I Ti 2:8-10) When the Great Falling Away began it started the changing Apostle's teaching on repentance, holiness and sin, then water baptism and then Godhead. Between between 50 AD-325 AD all of these doctrine and teachings were changed by the Nicolaitanes and the Catholic fathers. The name, Nicolaitanes, is a compound word which is composed of three Greek words, and which, because of being a proper noun, is transferred instead of being translated into English. As thus transferred, it is subject to the laws of Greek construction in regard to ellipsis, contraction and phonetics. The Greek words used in its construction are first: “Nikos,” of which we use the English equivalents instead of the Greek letters, as we shall also of the other two. Nikos is defined as “a conquest; victory; triumph; the conquered; and by implication, dominancy over the defeated.” Another transferred name in which this term is used is “Nicopolis,” i.e., Niko – conquest; polis city. Hence, the city of conquest, or city of victory. Also “Andro” — “nikos;” a man of conquest, of victory. The second term used in the name under consideration is “laos,” — people, another use of which is Nicolas, which is transferred and is composed of Nikoslaos and means one who is “victorious over the people,” the letter “s” being, in both words, the nominative case ending, which is retained only at the end of the word to denote the case, while “a” short and “o” short are contracted into “a” long. Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. Jesus also linked the Nicolatians to the error of Baalam, an Old Testament false prophet who has become a biblical symbol for apostasy. Here in Pergamum, one can see the “doctrine of Balaam” strictly condemned by Christ. It is important that we understand what Balaam’s “doctrine” was, so that we may steer clear of it today. What the Old Testament alludes to- Jesus makes very plain – the doctrine of Balaam involved idolatry and sexual immorality. I encourage you to read the story for yourself in Numbers chapters 22-24. To make a long story short, Balak hired Balaam (a prophet of sorts who is called a “southsayer” in Joshua 13:22 KJV) to curse Israel. After many attempts to bribe him by Balak, Balaam finally realises that he cannot curse what God has blessed. It will take more than some verbal curse to make Israel vulnerable to her enemies. So he comes up with a strategy. That strategy is later shown in Numbers 31:8-16. What really becomes obvious is that Balaam’s strategy included getting the children of Israel to commit sexual immorality with the Midianite women. In committing this trespass, the men of Israel were also mingling with the pagan gods worshipped by these women. This is a perfect example of religious syncretism. That’s a big theological word, but it basically means a “mixture” of different belief systems. What makes it so deadly is that it gives the outward appearance of piety and reverence for God, all the while tolerating the things that he clearly

designated as an abomination to Him. One must beware of this even today-now more than ever! Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. The Nicolatians are likewise linked with Jezebel, another Old Testament personality who became known for leading Isreal into unrestrained idolartry and ruthlessly persecution of God’s true prophets. Even though the name(s) keep changing (Nicolatians, Balaam, Jezebel), the message is basically the same. This teaching offers a Christianity which doesn’t demand obedience and loyalty to Jesus Christ alone. This is heresy and God hates it- plain and simple! We can clearly see that the aim of the false teachers and preachers is to convince Christians ( Deuteronomy 6:4 and Acts 2:38 believers who act in faith and truly receive his grace) that sexual perversion or immorality, ungodly lifestyles, and idolatry can be practiced without affecting one's walk and standing with Christ. Jesus strongly rebukes that notion by saying that judgement is surely coming to those who practice such works. He calls such teachings the “depths things of Satan.” (KJV) Even without an extensive knowledge of the Nicolatian sect, we can see why Christ declared his hatred for their actions and their false teachings. Today, Christians are accused of many things such as hating homosexuals, adulterous people, or Muslims, that is a lie. Often those who protest the loudest are the most intolerant ones. We are commanded to show love to those who sin, and to all people, especially to them of the household of faith. But it does not mean to approve or tolerate any sin by anyone. Instead, to show mercy and love of God, while humbly showing others the errors of their ways. Our example should closely follow Christ’s in calling on them to repent and motivated by love, show them the truth of God's word.