“Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate“

Thus you

The word “you” is emphatic, throwing emphasis upon the idea that the Pergamum church imbibed false teaching.

also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans

Two false doctrines seduced the Pergamum church, the “teachings of Balaam,” and “the doctrine of Nicolaitans.” People in the church of Pergamum held tenaciously to false doctrine, just like the church at Ephesus (Re 2:6). The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was a syncretism between Christianity, false doctrine, and pagan living. This was compromise of Christianity with both false doctrine and false living.

Jesus names names. He identifies the Nicolaitans by name as false teachers who corrupt the people of Pergamum.

which thing I hate

It is no sin to hate what God hates. Jesus directs His hate here to false doctrine, not to people. Jesus hated the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

Principle:

Compromise neutralizes the church.

Application:

The idea that “all roads lead to Rome” is a biblically bad doctrine. “As long as we are sincere, that is all that counts. The world is just one great brotherhood, and we are all one.” If we break down doctrinal distinctions, we will neutralize the truth that we hold and make it ineffective. Christianity proclaims mutually exclusive doctrine that is powerfully distinct from other views.

Jesus proclaimed a mutual exclusive doctrine; He “hates” anything that stands contrary to it. He has a “doubled edged” sword ready for false teaching. His sword pierces perversion of truth. The worst type of person to Him was a religious unbeliever.

Compromise is a comforting doctrine because we do not have to distinguish between the things that differ. The Christian should not tolerate false doctrine nor breakdown fundamental doctrinal distinctives. Doctrinal separation is the highest form of biblical separation.