quote:Revelation 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Revelation 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Over the years and recently on this forum, I've noticed folks attributing the origin and practice of clergy-laity-ism to the Nicolaitans mentioned twice in the book of Revelation. Yes, I can make out part of the word "laity" in their name but so what?
Anyway, I have yet to hear a sound case made for this parallel. Can you offer one? Can you site any books in which the identity of the Nics is laid out? Do you know who popularized the idea that they practiced clergyism? I've searched my older books for it and have concluded that it must be a modern idea or, at least, an idea just recovered.
I’ve heard that many times and it makes a lot of sense. One reason deals with the meanings of the word. Another theory dealt with a man named Nicolas. Here are a couple of articles I saved on the subject. A good search engine should turn up a few more if interested. I believe the Greek meanings explain much better than the Nicolas idea. Of course it would not be a well published fact because those in control usually do the publishing. Hmm.
I suspect it came into being big time when the RC church took over the laity. Though, we must remember that John received these letters in Rev. during the time shortly after Christ’s death and resurrection. Simon the sorcerer was one such person who desired power and used religion to get it. Christ warned that wolves were already coming in the church and taking over if left unchecked.
I also remember the OT called the pastors brutish. Which sounds like the conquerors over the people to me. Jer. 10:21 Look at how the Pharaisee ruled over the people. So the idea has been around a long time. Is the name and teaching documented anywhere? I don’t know. I’m sure at the time Rev. was written, they knew what it was.
quote:Just what does the word "Nicolaitanes" mean? The Greek word "nicao" means "to conquer"…to dominate/intimidate/manipulate. It means undue control. The word "laos" means "the people"…the laity. In other words, there were to be no intimidating, controlling, power-hungry chiefs in the Church Body playing overlord, "baal", to the layman. I John 2:19
I also think what this article says about the nature of wolves is very true. I’ve seen such wolves in action. They do work in packs. The preacher has his group of loyal bishops, elders, etc….not at all the way scripture portrays them. BTW, I doubt you will find their wolve packs documented anywhere either.
quote:What are these Nicolaitanes? We'll understand it when we know what the name means! The word comes from two Greek words: nikao, which means "to rule over or to conquer," and laos, which means "the laity or the people." Put these definitions together and you get a domineering ruling class within the body of Christ whose main agenda is to get the upper hand, conquer, subordinate, and subdue those who they consider "less gifted," "less knowledgeable," and "less qualified" than themselves! In the religious world there are those who are called "clergy" and those who are called "laity." Where do you suppose these titles came from? "Laity, lay person, and layman" are all derivatives from the Greek word laos mentioned above! This is a title that has come to us from religious Babylon! The clergy are called the "reverends," "doctors," "pastors," "teachers," "evangelists," "overseers," "bishops," "ministers," "priests," "superintendents," "leaders," etc. These are often termed "men of the cloth" - men who wear special attire as a matter of identification as "clergy." These are the people who have the power, authority, and lordship! The rest of us poor folks are just "laity."
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