Revelation 2:14-15

Revelation 2:14-15

[14] But  I have  a few things  against  because  thou hast  there  them that hold  the doctrine  of Balaam,  who  Balac  to cast  a stumblingblock  before  the children  of Israel,  to eat  things sacrificed unto idols,  and  to commit fornication.  [15] So  hast  thou  also  them that hold  the doctrine  of the Nicolaitans, 

What does Revelation 2:14-15 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Balaam told Balak that he could overcome the Israelites if he would involve them in Moabite religious feasts that included sacred prostitution ( Numbers 25). This would render them unfaithful to God and consequently subject to His discipline. The pagans in Pergamum were evidently encouraging the Christians to join in their pagan feasts and the sexual immorality that accompanied them too. By participating, some in the church had given tacit approval to Balaam"s teaching. The Nicolaitans evidently regarded these sins as acceptable under the pretense of Christian liberty (cf. Revelation 2:6). Interestingly "Balaam" in Hebrew can mean "swallow the people," so the ideological connection between the Nicolaitans ("conquer the people") and Balaam is clear. [1]
"The best conclusion is that there were two different but similar groups in this church, both of which had disobeyed the decision of the Jerusalem council in regard to idolatrous practices and fornication (cf. Acts 15:20; Acts 15:29)." [2]
"The main facet of the doctrine of Balaam which is being promulgated in Churches today is the teaching that [3] future blessings and rewards have been set aside for every Christian solely on the basis of Christ"s finished work on Calvary and the Christian"s positional standing "in Christ." Thus, all Christians-regardless of their conduct during the present time-will receive crowns and positions of power and authority with Christ in the [4] kingdom. However, the teaching throughout the Word of God is to the contrary. The Israelites did not sin with immunity, and neither can Christians. Sin in the camp of Israel resulted in the Israelites being overthrown in the wilderness, short of the goal of their calling. And it will be no different for Christians." [5]