Timing of Nicolaitans

Catholics teach the Nicolaitans were a gnostic sect identified in I Timothy.

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

This is a problem for Catholics because Nicolaitans existed in Ephesus and Pergamos by the dating of Revelation, but the Holy Spirit says the apostacy was for "Latter times".

In Paul's prophecy the apostacy was still future.

This is especially problematic since Catholics often take an early date for Revelation, often using a preterist theology. The rise of celibacy in Catholicism matches I Timothy 4:1-3 as well or better.