who were like Balaam. These two groups were essentially the same in their practices. The Nicolaitans are described in 2:6 as those whose actions Christ hates. The believers in Ephesus had recognized the error of these people, but apparently the believers in Pergamum were being deceived by it. The Nicolaitans were Christians who had compromised their faith in order to enjoy the sinful pleasures of their society and perhaps to be able to burn incense on the altar to the emperor to avoid the penalty