Adepts of pernicious doctrines that were introduced into the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum. Following the doctrine of Balaam, they taught Christians that because of the principle of freedom they could consume meats offered to idols, and indulge in immoral acts like the pagans (Rev. 2:6, 14, 15).
Thus, the Nicolaitans instigated Christians not to observe the prescriptions of the council of Jerusalem, which had met in the year 50 AD. (Acts 15:29). It is assumed that they were disciples of a heretic named Nicholas, but there is no basis for affirming that he was the deacon of this name (Acts 6: 5).
The first allusion to this hypothesis is found in the writings of Irenaeus, around the year 175 AD. (Against heresies, 1:26, 3).
Among the Gnostics of the third century there was a sect of Nicolaitans who also taught "the freedom of the flesh"; It is possible that they were the heirs of the corrupt doctrine of the early Nicolaitans.
Meaning of NICHOLAS
Adepts of pernicious doctrines that were introduced into the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum. Following the doctrine of Balaam, they taught Christians that because of the principle of freedom they could consume meats offered to idols, and indulge in immoral acts like the pagans (Rev. 2:6, 14, 15).
