Definition: So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 2:15. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage, but we can understand it in a straightforward way. Here’s what it means: “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans…” – This refers to a specific group of people who were secretly practicing a form of church leadership. They called themselves “Nicolaitans.” It's important to understand this term because it was a controversial belief during the early Church. “…which thing I hate.” – This is the core of the verse. The Apostle John (who wrote Revelation) deeply dislikes this practice. He sees it as a dangerous and harmful thing that undermines the true, natural faith of Christians. In simpler terms: John is saying, “I’m very angry with people who secretly were practicing a leadership style that was similar to what we know as ‘ Nicolaitans.’ They were trying to undermine the basic beliefs of the Church.” What does this tell us about the early Church? It highlights a challenge: The verse suggests that there was a struggle within the early Church concerning how to govern itself and maintain its faith. It warns against secrecy: The Nicolaitans were secretive, which John saw as a problem because it made it harder for believers to know who was truly serving God. Important Note: The exact details of what these Nicolaitans actually did are debated by scholars. However, the verse is generally understood to be about a practice of secretly administering church leadership – essentially, someone acting like an elder or pastor without being officially recognized as such. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context? Connect it to other biblical themes (like trust, purity, or accountability)?