Keraia
Revelation 2

Revelation 2:6

To the Church in Ephesus · Revelation 2:1–7
Read Revelation 2

Translations

Modern
But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Traditional
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Literal
But you have this, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Latin
Sed hoc habes, quia odisti facta Nicolaitarum, quæ et ego odi.

Original

Greek
English
But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Notes

Revelation 2:6

Little is known about the Nicolaitans. Their teachings (Revelation 2:15) suggest they ate food offered to idols and engaged in sexual immorality. The council in Jerusalem prohibited this behavior (see Acts 15:20, 29). The early church father Irenaeus, writing around AD 180, said that the Nicolaitans followed the teaching of Nicolas (Acts 6:3–5). He believed John's writings opposed the Nicolaitan false teachings linked to Cerinthus (see 1 John Book Introduction, “Setting”).

Revelation 2:1–7

The letter to the church in Ephesus speaks to Christians who follow traditions. They are faithful but have lost their early, strong love for Christ and each other (see Revelation 2:5).

Revelation 2:1–3:22

The seven messages to the seven churches show the condition of Christ's church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to be faithful and honest. Those who listen to Christ's message will receive God's promised rewards. Those who do not will face judgment.

Parallels

Acts 19:8–12 Ephesians 1:1–2

People

Nicolaitans: A group whose practices were condemned by Jesus

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Book of Revelation Conversion Nicolaitans

Topics

Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God: Examples of Avoiding: Church of Ephesus Church: Backslidden Ephesus: Apocalyptic Message To Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship with the Wicked: Church of Ephesus Nicolaitanes: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: Ephesians Sin: Repugnant to God