The Leaven of the Nicolaitans
Christian Compromise in Exchange for Societal Acceptance.
In Revelation chapter 2 the Apostle John writes to the seven churches in Asia Minor concerning the revelation of Jesus Christ. When addressing the church in Pergamum his message was firm; he rebuked them for their embrace of the false teachings of the Nicolaitans.
“Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” (Revelation 2:15, 16)
The teachings of the Nicolaitans, an obscure sect, taught that in order to enjoy the acceptance of Roman society, the followers of Christ must compromise and adapt to their pagan communities. The Nicolaitans campaigned accommodation to pagan society by eating food sacrificed to idols and by engaging in sexual immorality.1
The city of Pergamum itself was a famous political city; filled with idolatry and the pursuit of political power. In as early as 29 B.C., it became the site of the first temple for Roman emperial worship, which erected a temple in honor of Augustus Caesar.2
For Christians in Pergamum, the constant temptation was to compromise their Christian beliefs for social and political acceptance. Christians refusing to adapt to pagan society were exposed to harsh ridicule and rejection. This rejection from society set the table for the teachings of the Nicolaitans, a teaching which was the sort of leaven which could destroy the Christian community. Like Balaam (Num. 25:1-3) in the Old Testament, Jesus warned that the Nicolaitans were influencing the church to indulge in practices which were contrary to the flourishing of their Christian faith.
If the church at Pergamum would not repent, they stood in danger of trading in their Christian character and faith for a seat with Satan on his throne of temporal political power (Rev. 2:13-16).
Compromising for Acceptance
Like those in the ancient church of Pergamum, we’ve all at times played the game of compromise in order to enjoy acceptance or approval. We live in an increasingly secular nation, and the glaring temptation for the church today is to compromise our own Christian beliefs in order to enjoy the temporal pleasures of social and political gain.
Compromise in the context of Christian beliefs is more than just making a decision to avoid conflict; it is a decision to choose immediate pleasure over the eternal pleasures offered by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The root of compromise is in our lack of belief in who Christ proclaimed Himself to be. We compromise when we have no idea the eternal treasure we forfeit in an effort to be liked an approved. What Jesus promised the overcomers in the church at Pergamum can still be a source of encouragement for us today when faced with the temptation to compromise.
The Rewards of Uncompromising Faith
Jesus promised those in Pergamum who would overcome, a portion of the hidden manna (Rev. 2:17). Hidden manna represented the supernatural sustenance provided by God. Jesus himself is the true bread of God; the only one who can offer true acceptance and eternal life. For those who crave acceptance, Jesus offered them the supreme level of acceptance; acceptance which was the invitation into His glorious Kingdom forever and ever.
To those who would overcome, Jesus also promised a white stone; a white stone which would have a new name from God written on it. A white stone in ancient Pergamum was commonly used as admission to the great banquets and festivals of the city. The white stone is an equivalent to an invitation into all of the presidential gatherings of Washington in our day. A new name would be on that stone which was a new name or identity given to them by the creator God Himself; giving them the full right to all things in His Kingdom.
As believers we must be so diligent in keeping ourselves pure of opposing gods, idols, people, and things which take a precedence over our worship of the living God. We need the Holy Spirit to help us stand guard against the leaven of the Nicolaitans, a doctrine of compromise which still exists today. Let’s reject the advice of those who will invite us to succumb rather than have courage in standing for our faith in Jesus Christ.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev. 2: 17)
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March 10, 2010