In the message to Ephesus, Jesus says they hate "the works of the Nicolaitans," which he also hates Revelation 2:6. In the message to Pergamum, he says some there hold "the teaching of the Nicolaitans" Revelation 2:15.
In Revelation 2:4–7 Jesus rebukes the Ephesus church for leaving its “first love,” even though it has maintained certain right actions. He calls them to remember the drop from where they once were, to change course, and to return to their earlier deeds. If they refuse, their “lampstand” will be removed. These verses sit inside the first of seven messages to assemblies in Asia Minor (Revelation 2:1–7).
Revelation 2:4–7 presents a clear contrast: Ephesus is commended for certain “works,” yet rebuked for having “left” its “first love.” The problem is not described as inactivity but as a relational and moral decline from an earlier state (verse 4–5).
A common mistake is to treat this as trivia. Names, places, numbers, and sequence details often carry memory, covenant identity, or narrative movement in the biblical story.
Start with Revelation 2:6, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
6But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.