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HERn · 06-01-2024, 07:50 AM

Thanks for starting this thread.

I think both Nee and Lee obtained their doctrine on the Nicolaitans from the 1917 version of The Scofield Bible. And I think Scofield got it from Darby or the Plymouth Brethren, but I don’t have a reference for it.

https://www.studylight.org/commentar...elation-2.html

“Verse 6 Nicolaitanes

From nikao, "to conquer," and laos, "the people," or "laity." There is no ancient authority for a sect of the Nicolaitanes. If the word is symbolic it refers to the earliest form of the notion of a priestly order, or "clergy," which later divided an equal brotherhood Matthew 23:8 into "priests" and "laity." What in Ephesus was "deeds" Revelation 2:6 had become in Pergamos a "doctrine Revelation 2:15.

Nicolaitanes Revelation 2:15; Revelation 2:15 contra, ; 1 Peter 5:2; 1 Peter 5:3; Matthew 24:49.”

I think that both Scofield and Nee/Lee were wrong re: the Nicolaitans because neither Paul, John, or Peter had the opinion that shepherds that serve the flock full time should not be paid or honored; nor did the men (early church fathers) that were discipled by them.

Being a Protestant I believe in the priesthood of the believers and that we are a kingdom of priests who do not need a human priest to mediate between me and God. But, I do believe Christ has given gifts to the body including pastors/elders. And I’m also comfortable with paying men who devote themselves full time in service as pastors/elders. But, even in Protestantism there is a danger that men will abuse their role as shepherds of the sheep.

I think it’s possible that the term Nicolaitans refers to men who by abusive leadership lead their flocks into the kinds of sin that the early church fathers described. This type of “clergy/laity” would certainly be sin and something for the saints to flee from.

06-01-2024, 07:50 AM	#2
HERn Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 969	Re: Who were the Nicolaitans? Thanks for starting this thread. I think both Nee and Lee obtained their doctrine on the Nicolaitans from the 1917 version of The Scofield Bible. And I think Scofield got it from Darby or the Plymouth Brethren, but I don’t have a reference for it. https://www.studylight.org/commentar...elation-2.html “Verse 6 Nicolaitanes From nikao, "to conquer," and laos, "the people," or "laity." There is no ancient authority for a sect of the Nicolaitanes. If the word is symbolic it refers to the earliest form of the notion of a priestly order, or "clergy," which later divided an equal brotherhood Matthew 23:8 into "priests" and "laity." What in Ephesus was "deeds" Revelation 2:6 had become in Pergamos a "doctrine Revelation 2:15. Nicolaitanes Revelation 2:15; Revelation 2:15 contra, ; 1 Peter 5:2; 1 Peter 5:3; Matthew 24:49.” I think that both Scofield and Nee/Lee were wrong re: the Nicolaitans because neither Paul, John, or Peter had the opinion that shepherds that serve the flock full time should not be paid or honored; nor did the men (early church fathers) that were discipled by them. Being a Protestant I believe in the priesthood of the believers and that we are a kingdom of priests who do not need a human priest to mediate between me and God. But, I do believe Christ has given gifts to the body including pastors/elders. And I’m also comfortable with paying men who devote themselves full time in service as pastors/elders. But, even in Protestantism there is a danger that men will abuse their role as shepherds of the sheep. I think it’s possible that the term Nicolaitans refers to men who by abusive leadership lead their flocks into the kinds of sin that the early church fathers described. This type of “clergy/laity” would certainly be sin and something for the saints to flee from. __________________ Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." (KJV Version) Look to Jesus not The Ministry. Last edited by HERn; 06-01-2024 at 02:41 PM.