Nicolaitans

In Revelation, John wrote that the Ephesus church hated the Nicolaitans and got rid of the false apostles who started
the Gnostic cults; but in the process, they lost their first love. The ancient church fathers taught Nicolaitan
characteristics included: the practice of fornication (both heterosexual and homosexual forms of adultery and
chambering), Then in a confession ritual on a weekly basis they were forgiven. (on the eighth day). Nicolaitans used
idols and participated in pagan rituals, which also means they tolerated ungodly things. This form of idolatry was
also practiced by the Carpocratian Gnostics. The idea that food had to be exorcised before it was eaten was based
on the idea that a Christian could be demon-possessed. The ancient church fathers taught Nicolaitans had a special
way of exorcizing meat offered to idols so that if Christians ate it they would not become demon-possessed. The
belief that Christians can be possessed by demons, is an error.

“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come
unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” Revelation 2:15-16

Taken from a work on Bible-facts.org