What does nicolaitans mean in Revelation?

Definition of Nicolaitan 1 : one of a group reproved in Revelation 2:6, 14–15 and generally associated with those who were rebuked for eating things offered to idols and for fornication. 2 : one of a group of 3d century antinomian Gnostics.

What was the doctrine of Balaam?

According to the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:14), Balaam told King Balak how to get the Israelites to commit sin by enticing them with sexual immorality and food sacrificed to idols. The Israelites fell into transgression due to these traps and God sent a deadly plague to them as a result (Numbers 31:16).

What is the teaching of the nicolaitans?

As a symbolic reference (according to this view), the “teaching of the Nicolaitans” refers to dominating the people, compared to the “teaching of Balaam” which refers to seducing the people. John discusses domination within the church in 3 John 9-11.

How was Balaam a prophet?

According to the primary narrative, Balaam is an honest prophet who speaks only what his god tells him to speak. At first, Balaam rejects Balak’s assignment to curse Israel (22,8-13). When the Moabite king increases the bribe, Balaam retorts that no payment will entice him to speak falsely (22,18).

Where is the story of Balaam?

Balaam, non-Israelite prophet described in chapters 22–24 of the Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), as a diviner who is importuned by Balak, king of Moab, to place a malediction on the people of Israel, who are camped ominously on the plains of Moab.

Who were the Nicolaitans?

The adherents were called Nicolaitans, Nicolaitanes, or Nicolaites. They were considered heretical by the mainstream Church. According to Revelation 2:6 and 15, they were known in the cities of Ephesus and Pergamum.

What is the meaning of Nicolaitism?

Nicolaism (also Nicholaism, Nicolaitism, Nicolationism, or Nicolaitanism) is a Christian heresy first mentioned (twice) in the Book of Revelation of the New Testament, whose adherents were called Nicolaitans, Nicolaitanes, or Nicolaites. According to Revelation 2:6 and 15, they were known in the cities of Ephesus and Pergamum.

Who are the Nicolaites in the New Testament?

Nicolaism (also Nicholaism, Nicolaitism, Nicolationism, or Nicolaitanism) was an early Christian sect mentioned twice in the Book of Revelation of the New Testament. The adherents were called Nicolaitans, Nicolaitanes, or Nicolaites. They were considered heretical by the mainstream Church.

What is the relationship between Balaam and the Nicolaitans?

Later in chapter 2 of Revelation, the author seems to link the practices of the Nicolaitans with the practices of those who listened to Balaam ( Revelation 2:14-15 ). Those who followed Balaam back in Numbers used Midianite women to seduce the men of Israel and lead them to worship other gods.