Antipas and the Nicolaitanes Unmasked

How many times, reading through Revelation 2-3, have you wondered who these folks are? 

The key to correctly interpreting the passages dealing with them (2:6, 13, 15) is realizing that the entire book of Revelation is future, in "the Lord's day" (i.e. the day of the Lord; 1:10).  John is transported forward in time, just as Ezekiel is transported in time (cf. Ezek. 3, 8, etc.), to see all of the events, including those in the first three chapters.  So Rev. 2-3 are not a history of the church in this age, even in type.  There may be some similarities to the course of church history, but the doctrinal application of the chapters is prophetic.  Hence, Antipas is not a historic character, nor are the Nicolaitanes: they are future figures.  Other men are named in scripture before they are even born.  How about Josiah (1 Kings 13)?  How about Cyrus (Is. 44-45)?  How about John the Baptist and our Lord (Luke 1)?  As the events of the great tribulation unfold, Antipas will be martyred for Christ, as will many others (Rev. 6-7, 20), and the identity of the Nicolaitanes will be known.  No need to delve into the history books or Greek dictionaries.  Just believe Rev. 1:10 and stand in awe of God's prophecies.  For more information, please see E.W. Bullinger's Commentary on Revelation (Kregel).