While the Pergamum Christians were commended for holding fast to their faith during the “days of Antipas”, not all was going well in their church. Jesus had a bone to pick with this small community. Apparently there was a faction in the church being led into idol worship by a group called the Nicolaitans, teachers whom John likens to the Old Testament prophet Balaam.

Who were these Nicolaitans? Their name offers us a clue: 'Nico' means "conqueror" and 'laitan' means "the people." Essentially, they were conquerors of the people. Early church father Iraenaeus said they were “men who led lives of unrestrained indulgence” who taught some of the Pergamene Christians that they could have it both ways — they could participate in the eucharistic meal and with the same mouth eat food sacrificed to Zeus, Asclepius, and other local gods.

Seeing the danger that lies ahead for those who have succumbed to this false gospel, Jesus urges them to repent, to sever their attachment to those power-hungry narcissists or he will do it for them. As added incentive, he promises them hidden manna and a white stone engraved with a new name. This imagery not only echoes the manna provided to the ancient Israelites during the exodus from Egypt, but also underscores Jesus’ presence, the hidden manna, as their sustenance during their own journey as economic, social, and spiritual exiles in Pergamum.

The reference to the white stone is a play-off of the amulets that locals would wear bearing the name of their preferred god. Jesus is reminding them of their unique and holy identity. That it is the name of Jesus that they must bind to their hearts and minds, not the name of other gods.

Discussion Questions:

Where have you spotted ideological attachments in your own lives?
As the people of God, we are no longer bound to the world. A Christlike presence, however, also doesn’t seek to escape the world. In what ways do you feel you escape the world or conform to it?
What priorities in your daily life could refocus how you want to embody Jesus in our world?
The spirit of the Nicolaitans has moved along with the Church throughout history. Share some experiences you’ve had with this power-hungry, high-control phenomenon in and out of the church.