Nicolaitan apostles are rising. It's a new breed, but then again, it's not a new breed at all. Jesus warned us about Nicolaitan leaders in his letter to the church in Pergamum.
“So you also have those who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will war against them with the sword of My mouth” (Rev. 2:15-16).
Noteworthy is the fact that Jesus applauded the church at Ephesus in an earlier letter and noted how he “hated” this Nicolaitan doctrine. So, what, exactly, was the teaching of the Nicolaitans?
A Domineering, Dominating Doctrine
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Rick Renner, author and pastor of Good News Moscow Church, explains the spirit behind this doctrine succinctly:
“The name “Nicolaitans” is derived from the Greek word nikolaos, a compound of the words nikos and laos. The word nikos is the Greek word that means “to conquer” or “to subdue.” The word laos is the Greek word for the people. It is also where we get the word “laity.” When these two words are compounded into one, they form the name Nicolas, which literally means one who conquers and subdues the people. It seems to suggest that the Nicolaitans were somehow conquering and subduing the people.”
Nicolaitan apostles are domineering and dominating. They operate in control and spiritual abuse. Their churches and networks are cultish and step dangerously close, if they don't cross over, into divination through Jezebelic prophetic utterances motivated by the need to conquer and subdue people.
The Apostle John Warned Us of These Types
Diotrephes seemed to be cut from the Nicolaitan cloth. John the apostle warned his followers about this man, who theologians conclude was likely a bishop in the congregation. It seems Diotrophenes thought more highly of himself than he ought, a stance the Bible warns against (see Rom. 12:3) and was blocking John's true apostolic ministry.
The Bible also warns us to mark those who cause division among us (see Rom. 16:17) and this is what John did in his third epistle. In doing so, he has effectively warned our generation about these types of domineering leaders:
“I have written briefly to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead among them and put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority and refuses to accept my suggestions or to listen to me.
So when I arrive, I will call attention to what he is doing, his boiling over and casting malicious reflections upon us with insinuating language. And not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive and welcome the [missionary] brethren himself, and also interferes with and forbids those who would welcome them, and tries to expel (excommunicate) them from the church” (3 John 9-10, AMPC).
Can you imagine any other leader in the early church refusing to listen to John's suggestions?
Nicolaitan Leaven Rising in the 21st Century
Throughout history, the church has seen Nicolaitan leaders, and many have sounded the trumpet. Pulpit Commentary shares:
“This ecclesiastical Cleon is the type of all vain, noisy, self-asserting teachers, whose main object is to get their own way—an object which they effect by browbeating all who differ from them. No authority is respected and no character spared which seems to oppose their policy. Even an apostle is denounced if he ventures to maintain that the truth may be larger than their view of it. Christian ministers now must not be surprised if they sometimes meet with no better treatment.”
Finally, concerning the attitude of Diotrephenes, Matthew Henry admonishes in his commentary:
“Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.”
If you are a Nicolaitan leader, consider your ways (see Hag. 1:7). God hates what you're doing. If you are serving a Nicolaitan leader, cut ties so the blood he is shedding is not on your hands. If you are a social media fan, stop sharing Nicolaitan leaders' posts to curry their favor, or you'll end up in bondage like the rest of their followers.
Wow !! Thank you sooo much for posting this. It confirms what I’ve felt and experienced .
This is very true, I’ve been approached by them. The one major difference (because they mock true faith) is that they don’t believe that Jesus is Lord. They teach that you are a lord or self God. Has obvious has that sounds. If they get your repeaditly give them attention through their casualness. They feel they’ve won you. However. They are seducing spirits and doctrines of devil’s, *some that are weary or too weak or walk in bitter anger. They are easier lead astray. They mix lies with the truth we want to hear. Warn others people of God yet consider yourselves. Let’s not allow ourselves to be of the *Some that give heed* in Jesus Name stay in the Faith.
# Book of JUDE
Narcissism is rising in this hour. Pray for Nigeria so much deception from the govt we Dont even know if the president is real or a double.
Dear pastor i like your bible teaching,i would be very happy ,if you can help me some teaching.i only have a old cell phone.i donot down load,or print,i donot have.i donot also know much on line,i donot have a compture.Address.Suresh Madramootoo.p.o.box.1454.Paramaribo,Suriname,
Accidentally watched one yesterday out of Texas—wow—not good.
Thank you for this timely reminder and renewal of the warning against Nicolaitan “Leaders”.
Thank you for sharing this. You are right on in your insight and people are lured into these types of ministries without even realizing what is happening. They are rooted in pride and self exaltation. We need to pray for these ministries and the people especially the leaders. They are wounded and have not been sanctified thoroughly. They need healing, repentance, and restoration back to the truth of the pure gospel.
Thank you… I am learning more each day .i continue to pray. 2 chronicle 7-14.
We are so grateful Lord for Your Wisdom and understanding, through wonderful Brothers and Sisters in the body of Christ, such as Jennifer LeClaire and many, many others.
We are so grateful Lord for allowing us to discern and recognize the wrong spirits like the Jezabel spirit, and all the other spirits of the enemy that is operating behind these Nicolations. We pray Lord that You will have mercy on those who have been in bondage to these spirits, that You might open the eyes of their hearts and allow them to repent by your goodness in Christ Jesus.
Bless Jennifer LeClaire and all the Brothers and Sisters in the body of Christ Heavenly Father and all their families, and their Ministeries. The Favor of the Lord surrounds them as with a shield, and opens up doors for them that no man can shut. The Favor of the Lord goes before them and prepares their way. The Favor of the Lord changes rules, regulations, and policies for whatever they need in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen! ????
thank you for this well written article.
This teaching here has reminded me of what happened and in our church few years ago. I saw the spirit of Nicolaitans at work but didn’t understand then. Thanks and remain blessed
WOW ! Thank you for that enlightenment ! Was in a church like that years ago for almost a year , how do I redeem the time etc. that went into it . I have repented of course , right after I read this . I have wondered for years what the doctrine of the Nicolaitan’s was . Thank you !
I need some names. Who are they? Everyone yells and has a platform. I’m beginning to question one but not sure. I don’t want to follow and like the wrong people.
still do not understand what a Nicolaitan Leader is…can you define them for me more? Because I left a church where there is similar such as pride, control and manipulation as well as brow beating. I was abused in so many ways, but let them tell it I had a bad attitude and I was in dislike of some of those who were considered ministers! They have even spoken against me to my adult daughter who is still there and too the point they have convinced her that that is where God wants her and that she better not leave or she will be not only without a covering but will not prosper! 🙁
Thank you for your message. Please keep me and my family in your prayers.
I thank you deeply Jennifer for your broadcast of prayer and any articles i can access. I pray you continue in truth and stregth! Be encoraged as I trust my prayers along w so many gaurd your safety and joy as we enter this season w courage and confidence in our great majestic powerful all knowing and all revealing Lord! Sending you a big sister hug and to all your staff and supporters!!
Thank you for this great teaching. I am a pastor in a small country church, my wife & I have been pastoring for nine years. This is our first time. I have had to fight this evil spirit many times in our congregation. Once I have confronted them they have left, and not quietly. Only the Lord has kept us here as long as we have been, it takes a great toll on us, but to God be the Glory!! God has also placed a few very good & Faithful members that have lifted us up in prayer & fellowship. God bless you all.
Thank you.
Jennifer Every since the first time I saw your videos. I knew without a doubt that God sent you to my path because I needed schooled in the right way. I have been Blessed with MANY, MANY gfts from God that I still don’t understand fully. I know that my hearts desire is to know God heart and thoughts that were connected. So I can’t be thrown from here to there in the pas,t trusting So called Christians. You are helping me so much and I pray that God will decern us all on who is who. I pray that these Pasters and leaders are exposed for God’s Glory. List people are already hurting and in need of Healing I’m their Souls , not a Leader misleading and abusing them. Thank you so much for posting. God Bless, I share your videos on Facebook, it’s eronicthar no one responds. They just want that, “Feel good message” But secretly SPIRITUAL death is happening. It happened to me , but God didn’t leave me I’m that condition Praise and Glory be toGod!!!
This is a Great Word. We all need Discernment and need to be very careful who we let in our inner circle. But also be careful of who and what we are listening to. We all need to be Diligent in Standing for God with God’s Wisdom and Understanding……………or how can we stand.
Wow. While I was in my study time today I saw this in the spirit. Apostles who are controlling and claiming to have tribes when their really just cliques+ not all of them but some) and anyone who’s not apart of it, is usually damned. God revealed to me that some of them he has convicted but their overlooking it because their to proud to repent and some need to repent and apologize publicly. Then I get on social media and see this which is nothing but confirmation.
Thanks great timely word. This dark spirit is not just the cult groups…it is common place in many ‘Good’ churchs. Propserity is deception. Very very subtle
as the serpant.
Poor and misfortune is now bad. May we pray and seek the Lord for salvations.