The finished tree of life pendant. Carved from boxwood, and mounted on walnut, fitted with a sterling silver bail. Available from my Etsy shop.

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Work in progress. Tiny tree of life in a heart. Carved from boxwood.

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Overcoming the Nicolaitans

860 words, 5 minutes read time.

Revelation 2:6–7 (NIV) “But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

I used to think the mention of the Nicolaitans in Revelation 2 was just a historical footnote. A strange name, a brief condemnation, and that was it. But the more I’ve lived and the more I’ve seen in the church, the more I realize this short verse is one of the most piercing warnings—and one of the most hopeful promises—in all of Scripture.

The Nicolaitans (likely meaning “conquerors of the people”) represent the spirit that seeks to lord it over God’s people instead of serving them. It shows up when leaders or systems silence gifts, control contributions, and push people into “safe” roles that fit the hierarchy rather than the needs of the body. It’s the voice that says, “You’re not good enough,” or “We already have someone for that,” even when your skills could serve the kingdom in powerful ways.

Modern-Day Targets of the Nicolaitans

This spirit isn’t stuck in the first century—it’s alive and well today. Here are some common ways it targets believers:

• Talented outsiders like you and me: Creative people (programmers, artists, writers) who offer real solutions but get sidelined because they don’t fit the “approved” inner circle. Your gifts are seen as a threat to the status quo.
• Questioners and reformers: Anyone who asks “Why do we do it this way?” or suggests improvements. They’re often labeled “divisive” or “unsubmissive” to shut them down.
• The overlooked majority: Everyday members who want to serve but are funneled into low-visibility roles (setup, cleaning) while a few “stars” get all the platform time.
• The wounded and weary: People hurt by past church experiences who are tempted to give up entirely. The Nicolaitan spirit whispers, “You’re not needed here—or anywhere.”
• The LGBT+ community: Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or other sexual and gender minorities. Many have been told they are “not welcome,” “not good enough,” or “too sinful” to participate fully in church life, even when they sincerely seek Christ. The Nicolaitan spirit often uses moral superiority or rigid gatekeeping to exclude them, rather than meeting them with grace, truth, and the invitation to follow Jesus.

If you’ve felt targeted, know this: It’s not about your worth. It’s about a system that values control over Christ’s body.

I’ve felt that sting personally. As a web programmer, I’ve offered my gifts to churches—only to be gently (or not so gently) redirected to volunteer tasks that kept me on the sidelines. It hurt. It made me question my worth. And I know I’m not alone. Many of us have been made to feel like our talents don’t fit the approved structure.

But here’s the red meat of this passage: Jesus doesn’t stop at “I hate what they do.” He immediately turns to the promise to the overcomer.

The Nicolaitans are not the enemy we’re supposed to spend our lives fighting. They are the obstacle we’re called to overcome.

Jesus is saying: “I see the pain. I hate the control. I hate the rejection. Now rise above it. Don’t let their system define your calling. Don’t let their ‘no’ silence your gifts. Use what I’ve given you—whether inside the walls or outside them. Keep serving Me. Keep building. Keep loving. You are an overcomer. And the tree of life is waiting for you.”

Reflection Questions

1. Where have you felt like a “target” of the Nicolaitan spirit in your church experience?
2. How might recognizing these modern tactics help you overcome them?
3. What gifts has God given you that you can use today—regardless of who approves?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You walk among Your churches and You see everything. You know the pain of being sidelined, the sting of being told I’m “not good enough.” Thank You for hating what hurts Your people. Help me identify and overcome the Nicolaitan spirit in my life—whether it’s in a church system or in my own doubts. Give me courage to use the gifts You’ve placed in me, even if it’s outside the approved structures. May I stay faithful, keep my first love, and overcome—not by fighting people, but by trusting You. I look forward to the day I eat from the tree of life in Your paradise. In Your name, Amen.

Call to Action

If this devotional encouraged you, don’t just scroll on. Subscribe for more devotionals, share a comment about what God is teaching you, or reach out and tell me what you’re reflecting on today. Let’s grow in faith together.

Author’s Note:

The identity and exact teachings of the Nicolaitans remain debated among scholars. Some link them to moral compromise (sexual immorality and idolatry, as suggested by the “doctrine of Balaam” in Revelation 2:14–15), while others see the name as symbolic of hierarchical control and domination over God’s people. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the core issue is clear: Jesus hates anything that harms, controls, or leads His church astray. This devotional focuses on the spirit of exclusion and abuse of authority that still appears in churches today, while affirming that Christ calls all to repentance, grace, and overcoming through Him.

D. Bryan King

Sources

• Who are the Nicolaitans mentioned in Revelation 2:6, 14-15? – GotQuestions.org
• The Nicolaitans in Revelation: Bible Story and Meaning – Christianity.com
• Who Are the Nicolaitans Found in Revelation? – Bible Study Tools
• Who Were the Nicolaitans, And What Was Their Doctrine and Deeds? – Renner Ministries
• Nicolaism – Wikipedia
• Who Were the Nicolaitans? – BibleInfo.com
• Bible Gem 2197 – Who Were the Nicolaitans? – Berean Insights
• About the Nicolaitans – Useful Bible
• Nicolaitans Commentary – Bible Study Tools
• Revelation 2:6 Commentaries – StudyLight.org
• Christian Authoritarianism: The Unwitting Threat to Democracy – Medium
• Susie and the Dictator: Assisting an Authoritarian Pastor – Pearls & Swine
• Authoritarianism and Egalitarianism in Church Leadership – Sacred Structures
• Authority, Not Authoritarian – 9Marks
• How to Diagnose and Treat Pastoral Authoritarianism – Founders Ministries

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

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"Since the January 2025 premiere of “#ThePitt,” starring #NoahWyle as #Jewish Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch and set in a #Pittsburgh E.R., it felt possible that the #TreeofLife Shooting, the #antisemitic massacre that took place in the city in 2018, would be featured on the show.

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Watched the film Tree of Life for the first time. Incredibly moving film. Exquisite visual storytelling. I’m going to have to watch it a few more times before it takes full effect. Reminded me a lot of another favorite film of mine, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Highly recommend. #movies #treeoflife

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A second photo as we restart the Top 25 Sunset Photos countdown: "Tree of Life"

June 14, 2025. Wolverine Lake, Michigan

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A second photo as we restart the Top 25 Sunset Photos countdown: "Tree of Life" June 14, 2025. Wolverine Lake, Michigan #ArtAdventCalendar #sunset #tree #trees #TreeOfLife #photography #michigan #art

“Tree of life”
Hand-printed linocut.

This is a rather old linocut of mine from 2022, the year when I started to think a lot about life and death.

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The Tree of Life is a symbolic blueprint of consciousness — ten nodes, twenty-two paths — a kind of ancient ‘architecture of being’ long before we talked about systems or networks.

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Yggdrasil

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New #ISEPpapers! Natural and artificial variations of the standard genetic code https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)01302-8 #Protists #TreeOfLife #Evolution #Microbes #Genetics

Discovery of rare #protist reveals previously unknown branch of eukaryotic tree of life https://phys.org/news/2025-11-discovery-rare-protist-reveals-previously.html

New #ISEPpapers: Rare microbial relict sheds light on an ancient eukaryotic supergroup https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09750-0

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Love is like a tree, its root is deep in our heart, and money is like the rain that waters it. #Love #TreeOfLife #Money #Rain #🌲

Oak trees are sacred symbols of strength, wisdom, and endurance. Across cultures and time, they remind us of patience, resilience, and the bond between people and nature. 🌳✨ #oak #sacredtrees #treeoflife #nature #strength #wisdom
https://medium.com/@mohindroo.sanjay66/oak-trees-are-sacred-guardians-of-strength-spirit-and-time-4be904cc3d61

Tree of Life, 1953, Bedri Rami Eyüböglu

it's the organized energy flow that I like, lots of established lanes to move around in, the tree of life is bringing a weird quirky order to the primal chaos 🤣

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