nicolaitism

religion

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July 16, 2026

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Nicolaitism refers to a group reproved in the Book of Revelation, generally associated with those who ate food offered to idols and engaged in fornication. Historically, the term has also been applied to 3rd-century antinomian Gnostics and, in the medieval period, to married or concubinary clergy, or opponents of clerical celibacy. The term originates from the Greek "Nikolaitēs," meaning follower of Nicolaus. The early Christian church, during its pre-Nicene period, grappled with defining its beliefs and ethics in relation to Judaism and Hellenistic culture, as seen in the literature of the Apostolic Fathers.12

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history of Europe
From persuasion to coercion: The emergence of a new ecclesiastical discipline
…ecclesiastical office from laymen) and nicolaitism (clerical marriage). The increasingly precise exposition of Christian doctrine by 12th-century theologians seemed to many people a displacement of the Christianity that they had always understood and practiced. Legal collections began to treat various forms of doctrinal and devotional dissent as heresy, thus formulating…
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…ecclesiastical office from laymen) and nicolaitism (clerical marriage). The increasingly precise exposition of Christian doctrine by 12th-century theologians seemed to many people a displacement of the Christianity that they had always understood and practiced. Legal collections began to treat various forms of doctrinal and devotional dissent as heresy, thus formulating…
Read More

St. Peter Damian
Early life and career
…celibacy versus clerical marriage (nicolaitism). His rhetorical advocacy of celibacy was so excessive, however, that Pope Leo chose not to give it the unconditional support he offered to Damian’s tract on simony. Despite this setback, Damian’s efforts in support of the reforming papacy were rewarded by Pope Stephen IX,…
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…celibacy versus clerical marriage (nicolaitism). His rhetorical advocacy of celibacy was so excessive, however, that Pope Leo chose not to give it the unconditional support he offered to Damian’s tract on simony. Despite this setback, Damian’s efforts in support of the reforming papacy were rewarded by Pope Stephen IX,…
Read More