Nicolaitans in the Bible — Hidden Meaning & Symbolism

Nicolaitans (A.V., Nicolaitanes), nic-o-la'-l-tans (Gk.)-- followers of Nicolaus or Nicolas. The Greek name Nicolaus coincides with the Hebrew name Balaam. An apparently religious people whose teaching and works are condemned in Revelation 2:6, 15. Meta. Mixed thoughts. In Revelation 2:14, 15 the teaching of the Nicolaitans is likened to that of Balaam, by which the Israelites were taught to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication. To commit fornication typifies the mixing of one's thoughts with error. The" sword of my mouth," Revelation 2:16, is the word of absolute Truth. The word of Truth sets the law into action, and thus makes war against the Nicolaitans (mixed thoughts). Unless we keep our eyes on our first love, Spirit, we are apt to make wrong combinations of thoughts. This is where the Adversary gets his power even when we do not like him. See Revelation 2:4-6.