What does Revelation 2:6 mean?

This verse points out that the church at Ephesus hated the works of the Nicolaitans. Jesus also hated their works. Although Scripture does not further identify the Nicolaitans, tradition and oral history provide possibilities. According to one possible history, Nicolaus, one of the seven deacons in the church at Jerusalem (Acts 6:5), fell away from the truth and founded the sect known as the Nicolaitans. The sect believed no law—at all—governed their behavior. So, they felt free to indulge in the idolatrous feasts of pagans and in sensuality.

Others believe the Nicolaitans were a group that advocated for the rule of the clergy over the laity. They derive this theory from the combination of two Greek words translated "Nicolaitans." One of the words means ruler, and the second word means people. Hence, the Nicolaitans might have favored the rule of the clergy over the laity. A wise pastor will not "rule" a congregation but adopt the motto primus inter pares, meaning, "first among equals."