Nicolaitanes

[ATYCLB]

"But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate."
Revelation 2:6

"So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate."
Revelation 2:15

So who are they and what are their deeds and doctrines? And why should it be a
warning to us today?

I know what Wikipedia has to say (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolaitanes). Just curious what folks here think.

[TomT]

Nicolaitanes means “to conquer the laity” (from “nikos - to conquer”; and “laos” - where the word “laity” (or people) comes from....

[Hootmon]

Just curious what folks here think.A heirarchy that puts up a wall of separation between the people and the 'priesthood'.

Its one thing to be 'set aside' as a temple functionary. Its quite another to claim 'special access' to God.

[Buzzardhut]

A heirarchy that puts up a wall of separation between the people and the 'priesthood'.

Its one thing to be 'set aside' as a temple functionary. Its quite another to claim 'special access' to God.
and denying access for the little people

[HeIsEnough]

I have leaned towards the licensed to sin side, but gnostics also cover the hierarchy end as well. Perhaps so that their license won't expire?

[Big Daddy]

I have leaned towards the licensed to sin side, but gnostics also cover the hierarchy end as well. Perhaps so that their license won't expire?Could this license to sin apply to any Christian that claims the OSAS position, but does not repent of a sinful nature, or rather some sin that they fell has a hold of them and they rest in the fact that it is covered by Christs blood?

I know this is an extremely personal issue, as I think it is something in the heart, that only an individual can search out in their own heart.

[HeIsEnough]

Could this license to sin apply to any Christian that claims the OSAS position, but does not repent of a sinful nature, or rather some sin that they fell has a hold of them and they rest in the fact that it is covered by Christs blood?

My understanding of a "license to sin" is more theological. That is, theologically someone may believe it. Trying to actually live that out, would leave one overwhelmed with conviction by the Spirit, or the Spirit would not be involved, which is infinitely worse. I don't think it can be logically or scripturally argued that anyone has any license to sin. So, I don't see the connection, unless someone is merely hiding behind doctrine.


I know this is an extremely personal issue, as I think it is something in the heart, that only an individual can search out in their own heart.

Yep.

[Big Daddy]

A heirarchy that puts up a wall of separation between the people and the 'priesthood'.
This is my take on the Nicolatians. When the leadership taakes on the role of the "priest", when as Christians we are all priests. We all have that direct access to God.

One could find this doctrine in RCC and also Reformed Christianity. Could even take hold in non-denominational churches.
I am leary of a church that has a hierarchy in place.


Its one thing to be 'set aside' as a temple functionary. Its quite another to claim 'special access' to God.Temple functionary, you mean someone has to sweep the floor and wash the toilets, or is the "temple functionary" the preacher, deacons, and elders? I know you mean the latter.

Those in position of leading the flock, should be the least among them, and serve the most. Perhaps the deeds and doctrines are when these people are placed in a position of being served and being at the top.

[matt]

Does anybody think that the Catholic Church have been guilty of this in years gone by?

[jelaine]

The conquer (Nike was the Greek god of conquering) and laity means of the people .... ever wonder about where this nicolaus thing started?

Well i found this interesting tid bit in Acts 6:5 we first learn about nicholaus, the prostelyte one of seven chosen to serve, remember how much Jesus HATED prostestlytes? He said when you travel land and sea to win one prostelyte you make him twice as much of a son of hell as you do yourselves, matt 23:15 well We pick up on nicholaus the prostelyte, then from there we seem to find him again in rev 2 & 3, maybe its him, maybe not, but then from there he drops off the pages of scripture and onto the secular world as (drum roll please) good old saint nick, you know that big fat red guy all the children worship on His birthday :foot