him with Nicholas, one of the seven deacons ordained at Jerusalem. [1] St. Paul had warned Timothy of errors similar to those of the Nicolaites: "Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error and doctrines of devils. Speaking lies and hypocrisy and having their conscience seared. Forbidding to marry, to abstain from meats." [2]
Christ does not say that He hates the Nicolaites. He hates only their evil works and their errors. This teaches us that we must ever hate all error, but love the erring, especially those who err through no fault of their own. Our love for them should show itself in earnest efforts to bring them to the knowledge and love of truth.
7. A great reward is promised to those who over come heresy and sin by reclaiming the wandering to the true Faith. "To him that overcometh I will give to eat of the tree of life." Christ Himself is this tree of life whose fruit is the Holy Eucharist on earth, and eternal union with Him in heaven.
