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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Nicolaitanes</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/n/nicolaitanes.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/revelation/2-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/n/nicolaitanes.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Nicolaitanes</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/n/nicodemus--becomes_a_disciple_of_jesus.htm" title="Nicodemus: Becomes a Disciple of Jesus">◄</a> Nicolaitanes <a href="/topical/naves/n/nicolaitanes--general_scriptures_concerning.htm" title="Nicolaitanes: General Scriptures Concerning">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The Nicolaitanes are mentioned in the New Testament in the Book of Revelation, specifically in <a href="/revelation/2-6.htm">Revelation 2:6</a> and <a href="/revelation/2-15.htm">Revelation 2:15</a>. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following references: <br><br>· <a href="/revelation/2-6.htm">Revelation 2:6</a> : "But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."<br>· <a href="/revelation/2-15.htm">Revelation 2:15</a> : "In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans."<br><br>The Nicolaitanes are often associated with a heretical sect that emerged in the early Christian church. The exact nature of their teachings and practices is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, but they are condemned by Christ in His messages to the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum. The strong language used against them indicates that their influence was considered dangerous to the purity and integrity of the Christian faith.<br><br><b>Historical Context and Interpretations</b><br><br>The Nicolaitanes are traditionally linked to Nicholas of Antioch, one of the seven deacons appointed in <a href="/acts/6-5.htm">Acts 6:5</a>. However, there is no definitive historical evidence connecting Nicholas directly to the heretical practices attributed to the Nicolaitanes. Early church fathers, such as Irenaeus, Hippolytus, and Clement of Alexandria, provide some insight into the nature of the Nicolaitanes, suggesting that they promoted a form of antinomianism, which is the belief that Christians are released by grace from the obligation of observing the moral law.<br><br>Irenaeus, in his work "Against Heresies," describes the Nicolaitanes as leading lives of unrestrained indulgence. He suggests that they taught that deeds of the flesh had no bearing on the health of the soul, thus encouraging immoral behavior under the guise of Christian liberty. This interpretation aligns with the broader warnings in the New Testament against false teachings that distort the message of grace and lead believers into sin.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>The condemnation of the Nicolaitanes in Revelation underscores the early church's struggle against false teachings and the importance of doctrinal purity. The Nicolaitanes are often seen as a symbol of the broader challenge faced by the early church in maintaining the integrity of the apostolic faith amidst various cultural and philosophical influences.<br><br>The reference to the Nicolaitanes in <a href="/revelation/2-6.htm">Revelation 2:6 and 2</a>:15 serves as a warning to the church to remain vigilant against teachings that compromise the moral and ethical standards set forth in Scripture. The call to hate the works of the Nicolaitanes, as Christ does, emphasizes the necessity of aligning with divine truth and rejecting any form of compromise that leads to spiritual corruption.<br><br><b>Relevance for Contemporary Christianity</b><br><br>The mention of the Nicolaitanes in the Book of Revelation continues to resonate with contemporary Christian communities as a cautionary tale against the dangers of moral relativism and doctrinal compromise. The challenge of discerning and rejecting false teachings remains relevant, as the church seeks to uphold the truth of the Gospel in a world that often promotes conflicting values.<br><br>In summary, while the specific details about the Nicolaitanes remain somewhat obscure, their mention in the Book of Revelation serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance, discernment, and adherence to the teachings of Christ in the life of the church.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Nicolaitanes</span><p>followers of Nicolas<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>The church at Ephesus (<a href="/revelation/2-6.htm">Revelation 2:6</a>) is commended for hating the "deeds" of the Nicolaitanes, and the church of Pergamos is blamed for having them who hold their "doctrines" (15). They were seemingly a class of professing Christians, who sought to introduce into the church a false freedom or licentiousness, thus abusing Paul's doctrine of grace (Comp. <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15</a>, 16, 19), and were probably identical with those who held the doctrine of Baalam (q.v.), <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a>. <a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/irenaeus/against_heresies/chapter_xxvi_doctrines_of_cerinthus_the.htm"><span class="l">Doctrines of Cerinthus, the Ebionites, and <b>Nicolaitanes</b>.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Against Heresies: Book I Chapter XXVI."Doctrines of Cerinthus, the Ebionites,<br> and <b>Nicolaitanes</b>. 1. Cerinthus, again, a man who <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi doctrines of cerinthus the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/victorinus/commentary_on_the_apocolypse_of_the_blessed_john/from_the_second_chapter.htm"><span class="l">From the Second Chapter.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 6. "This thou hast also, that thou hatest the deeds of the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>."] But because<br> thou thyself hatest those who hold the doctrines of the <b>Nicolaitanes</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the second chapter.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pink/the_redeemers_return/3_the_laodicean_state_of.htm"><span class="l">The Laodicean State of Christendom.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> at the early date contemplated by the first of these seven Epistles, for at Ephesus<br> we learn there were "false apostles" (vs.2) and "<b>Nicolaitanes</b>" whose deeds <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 the laodicean state of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bliss/a_brief_commentary_on_the_apocalypse/epistles_to_the_seven_churches.htm"><span class="l">Epistles to the Seven Churches.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> place, except thou repentest. But thou hast this, that thou hatest the<br> deeds of the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>, which I also hate. He, who hath <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm</font><p><a href="/library/killen/the_ancient_church/chapter_iii_the_heresies_of.htm"><span class="l">The Heresies of the Apostolic Age.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> its peculiar appetites. To the latter party, as some think, belonged the<br> <b>Nicolaitanes</b> noticed by John in the Apocalypse. [206:4] They <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the heresies of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_32_1886/loves_complaining.htm"><span class="l">Love's Complaining</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He says of it, "This thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>,<br> which I also hate." This was grand of them: it showed a backbone of truth. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/loves complaining.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bullinger/commentary_on_revelation/the_people_on_the_earth_.htm"><span class="l">The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 6. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>, which I also<br> hate] The <b>Nicolaitanes</b> are mentioned again in verse 15. <b>...</b> <b>Nicolaitanes</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm</font><p><a href="/library/irenaeus/against_heresies/"><span class="l">Against Heresies</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Chapter XXV.--Doctrines of Carpocrates. Chapter XXVI.--Doctrines of Cerinthus, the<br> Ebionites, and <b>Nicolaitanes</b>. Chapter XXVII.--Doctrines of Cerdo and Marcion. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/against heresies/</font><p><a href="/library/ignatius/the_epistle_of_ignatius_to_the_trallians/chapter_xi_avoid_the_deadly_errors.htm"><span class="l">Avoid the Deadly Errors of the Docet??.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> [810] Flee also the impure <b>Nicolaitanes</b>, falsely so called, [811] who<br> are lovers of pleasure, and given to calumnious speeches. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the epistle of ignatius to the trallians/chapter xi avoid the deadly errors.htm</font><p><a href="/library/blunt/a_key_to_the_knowledge_of_church_history/chapter_i_the_foundation_of.htm"><span class="l">The Foundation of the Church among the Jews</span></a> <br><b>...</b> further mention in the Book of Acts; but it is believed that the last named, Nicolas<br> of Antioch, was the author of the heresy of the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>, which our <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/n/nicolaitanes.htm"><span class="l"><b>Nicolaitanes</b> (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> The church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:6) is commended for hating the "deeds" of the<br><b>Nicolaitanes</b>, and the church of Pergamos is blamed for having them who hold <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nicolaitanes.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nicolaitans.htm"><span class="l">Nicolaitans (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nicolaitans.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nicode'mus.htm"><span class="l">Nicode'mus (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Nicode'mus. Nicodemus, Nicode'mus. <b>Nicolaitanes</b> . Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b><br> (See RSV). Nicodemus, Nicode'mus. <b>Nicolaitanes</b> . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nicode'mus.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pergamos.htm"><span class="l">Pergamos (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> there. The church of Pergamos was rebuked for swerving from the truth and<br> embracing the doctrines of Balaam and the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pergamos.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/philetus.htm"><span class="l">Philetus (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Amiable, with Hymenaeus, at Ephesus, said that the "resurrection was past already"<br> (2 Timothy 2:17, 18). This was a Gnostic heresy held by the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/philetus.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm"><span class="l">Balaam (62 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (see <b>NICOLAITANES</b>.) Balaam was constrained to utter prophecies regarding the future<br> of Israel of wonderful magnificence and beauty of expression (Numbers 24:5-9 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/balaam.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/hatest.htm"><span class="l">Hatest (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Hatest (8 Occurrences). Revelation 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the<br> deeds of the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>, which I also hate. (KJV ASV DBY WBS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/hatest.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/deeds.htm"><span class="l">Deeds (309 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> repent. (See NAS). Revelation 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the<br> deeds of the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>, which I also hate. (KJV WBS NAS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/deeds.htm - 33k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/hate.htm"><span class="l">Hate (177 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Revelation 2:15 So hast thou also them<br> that hold the doctrine of the <b>Nicolaitanes</b>, which thing I hate. (KJV WBS YLT). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/hate.htm - 39k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Nicolaitans.html">Who are the Nicolaitans mentioned in Revelation 2:6, 14-15? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/church-in-Pergamum.html">What was Jesus' message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/church-in-Ephesus.html">What was Jesus' message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Nicolaitanes (2 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/revelation/2-6.htm">Revelation 2:6</a></span><br />But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the <span class="boldtext">Nicolaitanes</span>, which I also hate.<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/revelation/2-15.htm">Revelation 2:15</a></span><br />So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the <span class="boldtext">Nicolaitanes</span>, which thing I hate.<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/n/nicolaitanes.htm">Nicolaitanes</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/n/nicolaitanes--general_scriptures_concerning.htm">Nicolaitanes: General Scriptures Concerning</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nicolaitans.htm">Nicolaitans (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nicode'mus.htm">Nicode'mus (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pergamos.htm">Pergamos (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philetus.htm">Philetus (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam (62 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hatest.htm">Hatest (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/deeds.htm">Deeds (309 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hate.htm">Hate (177 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/doctrine.htm">Doctrine (52 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/n/nicodemus--becomes_a_disciple_of_jesus.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nicodemus: Becomes a Disciple of Jesus"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nicodemus: Becomes a Disciple of Jesus" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/naves/n/nicolaitanes--general_scriptures_concerning.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nicolaitanes: General Scriptures Concerning"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nicolaitanes: General Scriptures Concerning" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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