The doctrine and works of the nicolaitans salt of the earth. Although there are many opinions about the doctrine of the nicolaitans, the bible provides many clues about what it means. One such reference is made concerning a doctrine that is attributed to a group called the nicolaitans. Jesus commends the church of pergamum for not denying his name and for keeping the faith.
The writing is highly figurative so such would fit the character of the book. Nicolaitans was formed from the aramaic combined with the greek plural ending the basic meaning of nicolaitans, therefore, would be letuseaters. Who exactly are the nicolaitans from the book of revelation. Nicolaitans commentary a testimony of jesus christ. Whoever they were, jesus loathed their doctrine and hated their deeds. To the angel of the church of ephesus write, these things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands. Nicolaism also nicholaism, nicolaitism, nicolationism, or nicolaitanism was an early christian sect mentioned twice in the book of revelation of the new testament. He commends them by stating that they hate the works of these people which he, too, also hates revelation 2. This warning is certainly valid throughout scripture. Their doctrine was similar to that of balaam, who taught balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication revelation 2. They seem to have held that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication, in opposition to the decree of the church rendered in acts 15. Oct 29, 2014 the nicolaitans in the book of revelation, chapters 2 and 3, jesus christ specifically warns against several pagan or deviant religions namely people masquerading as judeans israelites when they are not, but are actually the synagogue of satan, those following the teachings of balaam, the teachings of jezebel, those falsely alleging to. The word nicolaitans appears twice in the scriptures and is found in the book of revelation.
Who were the nicolaitans in the book of revelation ch. May 12, 2007 who were the nicolaitans in the book of revelation ch. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which thing. Although its not out of the ordinary for god to hate practices of pagan groups, such as the child sacrifice of the canaanites leviticus 20.
He was a prophet who taught balak how to cause israel to sin numbers 31. In the book of revelation it is both the deeds and the doctrine of the nicolaitans, who affected two separate churches, that the lord addresses. Others think that the nicolas mentioned in revelation 2 is the man called nicolas, a proselyte from antioch, ordained a deacon early in the churchs history in acts 6. The nicolaitans, mentioned also in the letter to pergamum revelation 2. Surprisingly, the nicolaitans are only referenced twice in scripture, both of which are in the book of revelation. Later, in verse 15, he declares his displeasure with the saints in pergamum because you have some who hold the teaching of the nicolaitans. Who are the nicolaitans referred to in the book of revelation. Who were the nicolaitans, and what was their doctrine and deeds.
The nicolaitanes or nicolaitans were a group of people mentioned twice in the book of revelation in the new testament. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it. Christ implies that all three are the same basic heresy under different guises. The word nicolaitans comes from two greek words, meaning to conquer and the people. Nicolaitans encyclopedia of the bible bible gateway. It comes from the greek word nikolaites which literally means a follower of nicolaus.
To understand the significance of this false teaching and also that of the doctrine of salvation by faith and works, which we have touched upon in another article on the page false doctrinesfaith and works we need to take a look at the doctrines of the nicolaitans. Who are the nicolaitans mentioned in the book of revelation. Although we only read about the doctrine and works of the nicolaitans in the book of revelations and that jesus hated their works, the early church fathers have written about the sect of the nicolaitans. The book of revelation must never be read in isolation from the book of acts and the pauline letters. Nov 30, 2010 the first resource that i want to examine is the study notes in the new pilgrim student bible. The ipad has proven itself a gamechanging medium in many ways, not the least of which is in being a medium that christians can use to share the good news of jesus christ. Although it was very difficult to pick just one question to do a blog on, i decided to figure out just who the nicolaitans mentioned in revelation 2 were, and why they were hated.
Didnt you over look the also in the discussion about the. The first part, niko, is defined as a conquest or victory over others. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the nicolaitans, which i also hate. The book of revelation was originally written to warn believers that they must now face this choice.
Who were the nicolaitans mentioned in the book of revelation. Nicolaitans followers of nicolas, a sect mentioned in revelation 2. Jan 02, 2020 unlike the ephesians, they actually embraced the teachings of the nicolaitans revelation 2. So subjugators of the laity could not possibly have been the meaning of nicolaitans in the book of revelation. To accept the teachings of balaam or the nicolaitans was a practice condemned. Lets delve into this subject today to see if we can ascertain the identity. Jan 27, 2016 revelation pergamum and the nicolaitans. Now we are going to turn to the second chapter of the book of the revelation, and the title of the sermon this morning is the doctrine of the nicolaitans. Jul 29, 2010 in the book of revelation it is both the deeds and the doctrine of the nicolaitans, who affected two separate churches, that the lord addresses. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. What were the deeds of the nicolaitans in revelation 2. Print out this handy list of the 36 names and titles of jesus found in the book of revelation.
No big deal, just eat the food in honor of the roman god and. The book of revelation is the only book in the bible, that i know of, that has a blessing associated with it for those who will read itnot once but twice. Notice that they hated and rejected the doctrines, works, and doctrines of the. We find on page 1775 in the notes on the book of revelation.
This clerical system later developed into the papal hierarchy of priests and clergy lording over the flock. Just who were the nicolaitans, what were their deeds, and what was their doctrine. The nicolaitans and church at pergamum were one of the seven churches of revelation that jesus addresses. The nicolaitans appear to come from a sect group at the time that. While not much is known regarding the nicolaitans, we do know that the church at ephesus hated the deeds of the nicolaitans revelation 2.
In the book of revelation, chapters 2 and 3, jesus christ specifically warns against several pagan or deviant religions namely people masquerading as judeans israelites when they are not, but are actually the synagogue of satan, those following the teachings of balaam, the teachings of jezebel, those falsely alleging to. If not, i will come to you soon and make war against them with the. Sep 07, 2011 the big decision to create a graphic novel adaptation of the book of revelation was a very thoughtout, muchdiscussed collaborative one. Jesus warns them that unless they repent, they are in danger of the judgment that is sure to fall on those who teach false doctrine, attack his church, and destroy his people. A bible study focused on who are the nicolaitans in the book of revelation will provide a starting place for study. While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. Rick renner shares encouraging bible truths in this indepth look at christs message to the church of pergamum. The first time they appear is in gods spiritual assessment of the ephesian church. The first blessing is in the first chapter of revelation in verse 3. They hate the practices of a group called the nicolaitans, which god also appears to hate revelation 2.
The book is currently number one in amazons religion and spirituality section. Irenaeus identifies them as followers of nicolas, one of the seven chosen in acts 6, and as men who lead lives of unrestrained indulgence1. Early christian writers, such as clement of alexandria and eusebius of caesarea, inform us that the nicolaitans were a gnostic sect which started out teaching extreme asceticism and denied all earthly pleasures. From whence does the teaching once saved always saved originate. Irenaeus said the nicolaitans were the spiritual descendants of nicolas of antioch, who had been ordained as a deacon in acts 6. Balaam was a prophet who lived during the times of moses and had a friendship with a pagan king of the moabites named balak. Some scholars say they were followers of nicholas who was ordained by the apostles and who believed in. A sect or party of evil influence in early christianity, especially in the 7 churches of asia. Apr 27, 2007 the nicolaitans were a sect sometimes associated with nicolaus, one of the seven original deacons in the church in jerusalem according to acts 6. In our preaching through the bible and through the book and through the revelation, we are come to. Some bible commentators believe they were a heretical sect who followed the teachings of nicolaswhose name means one who conquers the.
According to this reference, they were known in the cities of ephesus and pergamos around a. Is the spirit of nicolaitans alive and well in the church. A good translation of nicolaitan would be those who prevail over the people. What is the origin of the nicolaitans revelation 2. Who were the nicolaitans, and what was their doctrine and. The nicolaitans and balaam probably symbolic names for a group and a leader said insteadand this was their doctrineyou have to go along to get along. I have been enjoying the app and recently got in touch with chris koelle, the artist, to ask. Mar 27, 2007 in the book of revelation it is both the deeds and the doctrine of the nicolaitans, who affected two separate churches, that the lord addresses.
Two times in the prophetic book of revelation, the name nicolaitans was mentioned. To jerry and sherry roberts thank you for your faithful friendship and love for our lord and my family. The book of revelation must never be read in isolation from the book of. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. The nicolaitans were a sect sometimes associated with nicolaus, one of the seven original deacons in the church in jerusalem according to acts 6. For instance, one of the early deacons mentioned in acts 6.
In this light, we would view the teaching of the nicolaitans as any teaching that would enslave others to false teaching. What is the doctrine of balaam and of the nicolaitans in. Dec 04, 2007 the nicolaitanes or nicolaitans were a group of people mentioned twice in the book of revelation in the new testament. Surprisingly little of substance is known concerning the nicolaitans only mentioned in scripture in the book of revelation. Emergent church leader, rob bell, has lit up the blogosphere with the firestorm he is causing with what many believe to be heretical views on god, christ, and salvation in his new book, love wins. These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges. The basic meaning of nicolaitans, therefore, would be letuseaters. Jun 20, 2016 the book of revelation was originally written to warn believers that they must now face this choice.
But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the nicolaitans, which i also hate rev. A few weeks ago i came across a fascinating app called the book of revelation app, a graphic novel adaptation of revelation. The adherents were called nicolaitans, nicolaitanes, or nicolaites. Writings of the time say he later came to follow gnostic teachings and became an ascetic, and many followed his new doctrine. Some bible commentators believe they were a heretical sect who followed the teachings of nicolaswhose name means one who conquers the peoplewho was possibly one of the deacons of the early church mentioned in acts 6. Now we are going to turn to the second chapter of the book of the revelation, and the title of the sermon this morning is the doctrine of the nicolaitans in our preaching through the bible and through the book and through the revelation, we are come to the third church, the church at pergamos. In the face of apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all christians are called to trust in jesus promise, behold, i am with you always, until the end of the age mt 28. The few references to this heresy in the writings of the church fathers link it to nicolas, one of the seven men appointed to oversee. The first resource that i want to examine is the study notes in the new pilgrim student bible.
Traditionally, the book of revelation has been dated near the end of the first century, around a. They may have been identical with those who held the doctrine of balaam. The lord commends the ephesian church for hating the deeds of the nicolaitans, whereas he has against the church in pergamos, those who hold to the nicolaitan teachings which he hates. It is possible that the nicolaitans derive from nicolas of antioch in acts 6. You and your family are a blessing beyond description to us and so many others. The work nicolaitan is only mentioned in revelation 2. The book of revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for christians of all time. Nicolaism was an early christian sect mentioned twice in the book of revelation of the new testament. Have you ever wondered who the nicolaitans were, mentioned in the book of revelation.
Two times in the prophetic book of revelation, the name. Jun 07, 2012 in revelation, chapter 2, we read of an enigmatic sect or group called the nicolaitans who post a great threat to the churches of god. Doctrine or teaching of the nicolaitans and church government. Names of jesus in the book of revelation a virtuous woman. Criswell sermon library the doctrine of the nicolaitans. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. The subtitle of bells book reads that it is a book about heaven, hell, and the fate of. Christ condemns both the doctrines of the nicolaitans and also the doctrine of balaam. Heres some backstory in 2009 i was commissioned to illustrate a page graphic novel written by l. Nicolaitans were one of the heretical sects that plagued the churches at ephesus and at pergamum, according to revelation 2.
This reference is found in a passage of scripture that describes one of the seven churches described in the book of revelation revelation 2. As i was reading the book of revelation this week, a multitude of questions came to my mind for a blog topic. Jesus was proud of the church of ephesus for their hatred of the deeds of the nicolaitans, which he also hated. You hate the practices of the nicolaitans, which i also hate. They were a sect or party of evil influence in early christianity, especially in the seven churches of asia revelation.
Their doctrine was similar to that of balaam, who taught balak to cast a. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the nicolaitans, which thing i hate revelation 2. Constables notes on revelation 2020 edition was the last of johns inspired writings. The deeds and doctrine of the nicolaitans but you have this in your favor. So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the nicolaitans. This time, jesus specifies that he hates their doctrine. Unlike the ephesians, they actually embraced the teachings of the nicolaitans revelation 2.
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