Revelation 2:6; God’s Fear

Revelation 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. God’s fear continues to abide in this church for they hated that which God’s hates. Our Lord saw a prevailing hatred for evil in their midst although they had left their first love – Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: … the evil way, … do I hate. 

Psalm 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. 

God’s love prevailed in their hearts to deal with falsehood in their midst.

The Ephesian church was quite different from the compromising church in Pergamum who allowed evil to fester in their midst – Revelation 2:14-15 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Our Lord reminded them again how they have been vigilant to separate from false doctrine. That is good. The word “Nicolaitans” is a compound of two words, “Nike” or “overcomer, or victor” and the word “laos” or “laity”, one who conquers the people. Walvoord attributed their deeds to abomination and impurity.

Psalm 25:14 The secret of the LORD iswith them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Amen.