Hello! I am Jon Paulien and I’m glad you came to this page to check out my work. I am a New Testament scholar and Professor of Religion at Loma Linda University. On this website you will find a collection of my articles, commentary on Revelation, and links to my blog, videos, and other resources. Make sure you check the articles link above regularly to see the latest postings. In my hand above is an exact replica of p52, the earliest extant New Testament manuscript fragment, containing portions of John, chapter 18. Centered above my head is a replica of ancient Greek pottery. At either end above are two sets of books from, and about, my favorite spiritual author, Ellen G. White. I hope you enjoy the site.

Daily Devotional For September 11, 2026

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And I looked, and saw a white cloud, and upon the cloud one like a son of man was sitting, he had a golden victory crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Rev 14:14.

           When all is said and done in the Book of Revelation, everything ends up with the Son of Man, Jesus. He is the Lamb, the Bright and Morning Star, the Ruler of the Kings of the Earth. But in a secular, post-modern world people like to say, “Show me the money!” They want to know why they should follow Jesus in the midst of all the excitement and distractions of life in this world. The following may help to put things into perspective.
           Can you name the man who won the Oscar for best actor in 2002? How about the best player in the championship game of the last five World Cup tournaments? Do you remember the name of Miss America or Miss World in the year 2000? Can you name even five people who have won a Nobel Prize in the sciences? Can you name the team that won the World Series or the Super Bowl for each of the last ten years? While I am interested in what is going on in the world, I can’t answer a single one of those questions. What about you?
           The shocking thing is that none of the above occurred on the sidelines. The answers to these questions filled headlines all over the world for at least a week. We are not talking about ordinary people. And yet most of us have already forgotten them. Why? Because as famous as they may have been, what they did didn’t truly change our lives. Their achievements made the headlines, but did not make a difference over time.
           Let’s try this game once more. Can you name three teachers or mentors whose ideas changed your life? Can you name three friends who have been with you in hard times, who have made you feel valuable and appreciated? Can you name the person you most enjoy spending time with? Can you name a couple of people whose stories have inspired you to be a better person than you might otherwise have been? How did you do on this quiz? Was it easier to name names this time around? It certainly was for me. Why? Because these people have all made a difference in my life. I would not be what I am today if it were not for them.
           That’s why the Book of Revelation is so obsessed with Jesus. For nearly two thousand years, no one has made more of a difference in this world than Jesus. Through His death, resurrection and heavenly reign He has changed the world and changed my life. I may care about who will win the World Series this year, but Jesus is the one that will still matter to me ten years from now. If you are spending time with this book, you probably know what I’m talking about.

           Lord, I am placing Revelation’s picture of You at the center of my attention today. Thank You for the difference You are making in my life.