Revelation 2:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 2:6

But this thou hast - This thou hast that I approve of, or that I can commend.That thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans - Greek, “works” (τὰ ἔργα ta erga). The word “Nicolaitanes” occurs only in this place, and in the Revelation 2:15 verse of this chapter. From the reference in the latter place it is clear that the doctrines which they held prevailed at Pergamos as well as at Ephesus; but from neither place can anything now be inferred in regard to the nature of their doctrines or their... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Revelation 2:6

Revelation 2:6. But Or nevertheless; this thou hast This honour and praise remaining; divine grace seeks whatever may help him that is fallen to recover his standing; that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes A sect so called, it is thought, from Nicolas, one of the seven deacons mentioned Acts 6:5; according to ancient writers, their doctrine and their lives were equally corrupt. They allowed the practice of the most abominable lewdness and adulteries, as well as sacrificing to... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:1-7

Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)Over the years the church at Ephesus had been troubled constantly by false teachers, as Paul had warned (cf. Acts 20:17,Acts 20:29-30). The false teaching condemned in Paul’s letters to Timothy and in the letters of John was centred in Ephesus. Later the church in Ephesus was troubled by the Nicolaitans, who taught that Christians could best demonstrate their freedom from rules and regulations by eating food that had been offered to idols and joining in immoral... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Revelation 2:6

deeds = works, as Revelation 2:5 . Nicolaitanes. History has no record of these. Tradition says much. They will appear "in that day". All we do know is that they are hateful to God. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Revelation 2:6

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.The works of the Nicolaitans ... This is not a reference merely to the evil deeds of the group mentioned, but to the promulgation of their evil doctrine, as appears a little later. Who were they? Irenaeus said that, "They are the followers of that Nicolas who was one of the seven first ordained to the diaconate by the apostles."[24] They taught that it was a matter of indifference to commit adultery or eat... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Revelation 2:6

Revelation 2:6. The deeds of the Nicolaitans,— Some have thought that these heretics derive their name from Nicolas, one of the seven deacons; but that name was so common among the Jews, that no stress can be laid on an argument drawn from thence. The substance of what ancient writers say concerning them is, that they taught the lawfulness of lewdness, and idolatroussacrifices, esteeming those things indifferent in their own nature; and that their practices were suitable to such principles. See... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Revelation 2:6

6. But—How graciously, after necessary censure, He returns to praise for our consolation, and as an example to us, that we would show, when we reprove, we have more pleasure in praising than in fault-finding. hatest the deeds—We should hate men's evil deeds, not hate the men themselves. Nicolaitanes—IRENÆUS [Against Heresies, 1.26.3] and TERTULLIAN [Prescription against Heretics, 46] make these followers of Nicolas, one of the seven (honorably mentioned, Acts 6:3; Acts 6:5). They (CLEMENT OF... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Revelation 2:1-7

A. The letter to the church in Ephesus 2:1-7Jesus Christ told John to write the letter to the church in Ephesus to commend the Ephesian Christians for their labors and perseverance in God’s truth. He also wanted to exhort them to rekindle their former love for the Savior. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Revelation 2:5-6

4. Exhortation 2:5-6The corrective for a cold heart that the Lord prescribed was a three-step process. They needed to remember how they used to feel about Him, to repent (change their attitude), and return to the love that formerly motivated them. The "deeds" they used to do probably refer to the activities that fanned the flame of their love (e.g., the Lord’s Supper perhaps) as well as their service for Him (Revelation 2:2). To rekindle first love there needs to be a return to first works... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 2:1-29

The Epistles to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2:1 to Revelation 3:22)Since ’seven’ is the perfect number, the ’seven churches’ represent all the Churches of the province of Asia. At the same time, the special circumstances of each Church are faithfully pictured in each epistle. Ramsay points out that St. John alludes, as well, to the special circumstances of each city. He suggests that the Churches are mentioned in the order in which a messenger carrying letters would travel. The letters,... read more

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