Alcuin of York — on Rev 2:6 (COMMENTARY ON REVELATION)

“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaites, which I also hate. As if the universal angel were told, "Not in the species that I have just frightened, but in another one, thou hast this, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaites, which I also hate." As for what the specific deeds of the Nicolaites are, blessed Augustine explained it in his book on heresies, saying: "Nicolas, according to the story, was one of the seven deacons who were ordained by the apostles. [Cf. Acts 6] As he was censured for jealousy towards his wife, who was very beautiful, he is said, in order to exculpate himself, to have given permission for anyone who so wished to use her. This deed of his gave rise to a most shameful sect, which has as a principle the promiscuous use of women. Its followers also do not even keep their food free of things sacrificed to idols." Moreover, all the heretics generally, are Nicolaites: indeed "Nicolas" translates to "foolish people." Therefore all those who do not hold the right views concerning the Father's wisdom, which is the Son, even if they are wise for the world, show that they are fools for God. We find Nicolaites even in the Church: namely those we see foolishly amassing treasure in their love for the world. Finally, it is to be noted that he does not say "Thou hatest the Nicolaites," but the deeds of the Nicolaites, because it is demonstrated that the Lord and those who are on his side do not hate in them the nature, which was created good in them, but their execrable deeds.”