Matthew Poole and continuators on Revelation 2:14

14 But I have a few things against thee , [illegible: 1 letter]ecause thou hast there them that hold the Doctrine of Balaam , who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel to eat things sacrificed unto Idols, and to commit fornication e.

Though I have much to commend thee for, yet I have some things to accuse thee of, and to compain of [illegible: 1 letter]hee for.

By the Doctrine of Balaam, he means the Doctrine of the Nicolai[illegible: 1 letter]ans (as he expounds himself, v. 18.) which was like the Doctrine of Balaam ▪

That Balaam of whom we read, Numb. chap. 24. chap. 25. who being sent for by Balak the King of Moab, to come and Curse Israel, and finding that God restrained him, and turned his Tongue from Cursing them, to pronounce Blessings to them, instructed Balak at last, how to lay a stumbling-Block before them, to make them to fall, viz. to set the M[illegible: 1 letter]abitish Women to tempt them to commit Uncleanness with them, and so to Feast with them in their Idols Temples, and eating of their Mea[illegible: 1 letter] first Offered unto their Idols.

Marginal references: Num. 31.16.