Nicolas, Nicolaus

NICOLAS, NICOLAUS (nĭk'ō-las, nĭk'ō-lā'ŭs, Gr. Nikolaos, conqueror of the people). A man from Antioch, a “convert to Judaism” mentioned only in Acts.6.5, whom the church at Jerusalem very early chose to administer alms as one of the seven original “deacons.” Confusing him with the “Nicolaitans,” many writers even in early times have accused him of originating this sect.