What does Revelation 2:15 mean?

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

Explanation

Revelation 2:15 discusses a problem within the church at Pergamos (Pergamum), one of the seven churches to which the book of Revelation is addressed. This verse specifically refers to some members in the church who are said to “hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans,” which is something the writer, traditionally understood to be the apostle John, states that God detests.

The term “doctrine” in this context refers to teachings or beliefs, and the Nicolaitans are believed to be a sect within early Christianity that held beliefs contrary to those taught by the apostles. The precise nature of their doctrines is not detailed in the New Testament, but early church father Irenaeus suggests that they led lives of unrestrained indulgence. The phrase “which thing I hate” emphasizes God’s strong disapproval of their practices or beliefs.

This remark about the Nicolaitans reinforces a key theme in Revelation – the call for faithfulness and purity in the face of heretical teachings and immoral behavior.

Historical Context

Revelation is generally dated to the late first century, during a time of persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire. The city of Pergamos, located in modern-day Turkey, was a prominent cultural and religious center that housed several temples devoted to Roman gods and the emperor cult.

In this historical context, the church at Pergamos was surrounded by pagan practices and societal pressures to conform to the prevailing religious and cultural norms. The mention of the Nicolaitans within this verse suggests that there was an internal threat to the stability of the Christian community in Pergamos from this group that may have been advocating compromise or syncretism.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the verse confronts the issue of false teaching within the church. Different perspectives might read the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” as representative of broader challenges:

• A traditional evangelical viewpoint might see the Nicolaitans as proponents of antinomianism, where grace is abused as a license for immoral behavior.
• A Catholic perspective might emphasize the authority of the Church to define orthodoxy and heresy, viewing the Nicolaitans as a heretical sect that deviated from the teachings of the apostles.
• A liberal theological approach might focus more on the socio-political pressures that lead religious communities to compromise or adapt their belief systems.

Practical Applications

Revelation 2:15 serves as a reminder for individuals and congregations to remain vigilant against teachings and practices that lead away from the core values of their faith. It encourages adherents to evaluate their beliefs critically and to uphold standards of doctrine and behavior that align with the message of the Gospel, resisting societal pressures that might lead to moral compromise or doctrinal error.

Cross-References

• Revelation 2:6 – “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
• Romans 16:17 – “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
• 2 Peter 2:1-2 – “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies…”

Language Study

In the original Greek text:

• “Hast” (ἔχεις) carries the sense of possessing or holding to something, indicating that these doctrines were upheld or accepted.
• “Doctrine” (διδαχὴν) refers to teaching or instruction, in this case, false or misleading teaching.
• “Nicolaitans” (Νικολαϊτών) is a proper noun, the name of the group in question, although the etymology is uncertain.
• “Hate” (μισῶ) means to detest or have aversion to; the strong language indicates divine opposition to their practices.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Nicolaitans can be contextually compared to various sects and mystery religions in the Greco-Roman world that had secret rites and beliefs often involving sexual immorality and idolatry. Their practices possibly mirrored certain elements from these surrounding religions, leading to a syncretic form of Christianity that was not in line with apostolic teaching.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly relate to scientific discussions; however, the study of early Christian sects involves research in anthropology, sociology, and history, where scientific methodologies may be used to excavate, date, and interpret artifacts and manuscripts that illuminate the practices and beliefs of groups like the Nicolaitans.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this passage underscore its admonishment against false teachings and moral compromises. Renowned biblical scholars, such as Matthew Henry, point to the importance of church discipline in confronting and correcting deviations from doctrinal purity. Others, like William Barclay, emphasize the struggle of the early church to maintain its identity in a pagan culture. There is also a focus on the tension between grace and law, with some commentators warning against legalism as much as against license.