“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Rev 2:6, KJV)

These are the words of Jesus addressed to the church in Ephesus. He praises them for their faithfulness, for testing false apostles, and for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans — just as He does.

But who were the Nicolaitans, and why does Jesus hate their deeds?

1. Who were the Nicolaitans?
The name “Nicolaitans” comes from the Greek Νικολαΐται (Nikolaitai), derived from “Nikolaos”:
– Nikos = victory, rule
– Laos = people
The meaning is: “dominion over the people” or “conquering the people.”

The Bible mentions them twice:
– Revelation 2:6 — “thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans”
– Revelation 2:15 — “there are some who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans”

Thus, both their deeds and their teachings are offensive to Jesus.

2. Two main characteristics of Nicolaitan teaching

a) Moral permissiveness
They taught that grace covers everything, so believers could freely participate in pagan feasts, idolatry, and sexual immorality.

“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” (Rev 2:14, KJV)

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” (Titus 2:11-12, KJV)

b) Religious hierarchy — ruling over the believers
The Nicolaitans introduced a system where certain leaders exercised authority over believers, placing themselves between Christ and His church.

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matt 23:8, KJV)

The Lord hates it when men set themselves up as mediators between God and His people.

3. But what about the Papacy…?
If Jesus hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans, what would He say today about religious systems where men place themselves between God and man?
The Papacy is known for speaking of the “little Jesus” and praying to the Virgin Mary, treating her as a mediator before the Father.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1Tim 2:5, KJV)

There is no other mediator! Not Mary, not saints, not priests, not bishops — only Jesus Christ.

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” (Phil 2:9, KJV)

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” (Matt 6:24, KJV)

We cannot obey both human authority and Christ when the two stand opposed.

4. The reversal of the Reformation
In 2017, during the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, several Protestant denominations drew closer to the Papacy and accepted joint declarations with the Catholic Church.
Many viewed this as a sign of “Christian unity,” but others see it as a dangerous spiritual compromise.

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Rev 18:4, KJV)

5. Final thought — Faithfulness to Christ
The Lord does not judge by denominations but by hearts. It is not about labels but about whether we cling to Jesus Christ as our only Mediator and Lord.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6, KJV)

Therefore, the Lord calls us today: “Hate what I hate” — but love the people who have been misled, and proclaim the truth to them.