:They compromised with the flesh <ref>Re 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.</ref> <ref>Re 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.</ref>

:They created a priesthood to lord over the laity <ref>Re 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.</ref>.

As factions arose in the church, unity of the faith was shredded over petty Greek debates <ref>1Ti 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: [so do].</ref> These debates remain, and there is no agreement on the interpretation of even the most simple parable <ref>http://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/85594</ref>