The Doctrine of Balaam
“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” (Rev 2:14 KJV)
Balaam was a false prophet that helped lead Israel into idolatry and immorality.
“He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:” (Num 22:5 KJV)
“And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.” (Num 22:7 KJV)
“And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.” (Num 25:1-2 KJV)
“Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.” (Num 31:16 KJV)
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” (Jud 1:11 KJV)
To hold the doctrine of Balaam is to teach that Christianity is compatible with idolatry, fornication, and immorality. To teach that we can live an immoral lifestyle is to stand with Balaam. It is clear that Jesus is against this teaching.
The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans
“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” (Rev 2:15 KJV)
The Church of Pergamos also held the pagan worship that the Nicolaitans held. This is another reference to their teaching of fornication in the Church. They were teaching that immorality was acceptable. This is something that Jesus strongly opposed, as we see in this chapter.