It is important to note that Holy Bible teaches Christians about the ‘leaders’ of ill intentions, who are willing to use their God-given talents of oratory to dominate and seduce people for their own benefit. Two of such wrongful teachings are the teachings of Balaam and the teachings of Nicolaitans. The difference is that the former sought to seduce people, whereas the latter wanted to dominate them.
The Holy Bible warns Christians about the two wrongful and sinful teachings. In the case of Balaam, God directly stated to him not to curse the blessed people, but “Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went; and the angel of Jehovah placed himself in the way for an adversary against him” (Num. 22.21-22). It is a teaching of seduction to weaken God’s people, where Balaam actively advised Balak and promoted falsehood for the purpose of financial gains. The teaching of Nicolaitans is about dominating people, where it is stated, “but this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate” (Rev. 2.6). Nicolaitans were conquerors who sought to subdue others to impose their own will on them.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the teachings affected the church of Pergamum negatively since it tolerated these doctrines, for which it received God’s scolding. Modern-day American Evangelical Church should learn from these teachings and avoid being tolerant of these methods. No deception and seduction of Balaam and no domination and subdual must be allowed as a means of achieving personal gain because it will anger God.
Work Cited
Holy Bible. American Standard Version, Bible Domain Publishing, 2013.