Sumerian Idols
Jesus gives a concession to them that they also hate the Nikilatians. The word means “those of the victorious people.” In a later letter (a third century commentary on Revelation by Victorinus of Pettau) we find that the Nikilatians are those who encourage Christians to participate in idolatry, probably to avoid persecution from the Roman state. The Ephesians reject this practice and accept whatever persecution they have to in order to be faithful to Jesus in this way.
For more on the Nikilatians or Nicolatans, check out this article from a Bible encyclopedia.
What are modern idols? An idol is worshiping an image as God. It could be worshiping a false god or the true God. It is not the same as worshiping in front of a statue or image, for even the ark of the covenant, which God placed before the people to worship, had images. The important aspect is whether one considers the image to be a god or God itself.
In the Nikilatian's case, it was probably worshiping Caesar (lighting incense before an image of Caesar), for protection or for one's business while also worshiping the Father of Jesus. Revelation is clear that the true God alone should be worshiped, no matter what the consequence.
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