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 January 10, 2026

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John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from the One who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits which are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Rev 1:4-5a.

           It is probably only superstition, but in the North Dakota farm culture my wife grew up in, people believed that things happen in threes. If two people you knew died, you began to wonder who the third one would be. If two of your friends and relatives decided to get married, you wondered who would be next. It was believed that both good and bad things tended to happen in threes.
           In the Book of Revelation a lot of things also happen in threes. There are three angels (Rev 14:6-12) and three frogs (Rev 16:13). There are three beasts (Revelation 12 and 13, cf. 16:13) and three woes (Rev 8:13. In this passage the godhead is described as a complete “trinity” of persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There are, in fact, three “trinities” in Rev 1:4-6. We will focus on the second of the three in today’s devotional.
           Jesus is described as “the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” These phrases describe the main characteristics–or qualities–of Jesus. You won’t read about these qualities in USA Today or hear about them on CNN. The teens at the local disco are not talking about Jesus as they dance. The marvelous qualities of Jesus are not widely known in this world. That’s why the Book of Revelation is so important. In Revelation, the secret things about Jesus are openly and publicly revealed.
           Jesus is “the faithful witness.” In the original language the word for “witness” is the one from which we get the English word “martyr.” In the self-sacrificing love of Jesus on the cross, we see a clear witness to the character of God.
           Jesus is also “the firstborn from the dead.” This is a reference to His resurrection. When God raised Jesus from the dead He pronounced a blessing on the whole human race (Acts 13:32-33). From then on a human being was seated at the right hand of God (Heb 8:1-2)!
           That means He is the “ruler of the kings of the earth.” While most people do not acknowledge Him as such, we can become citizens of His kingdom and all the benefits of citizenship become ours. Because He rules the kings of the earth we don’t have to be afraid of oppressive governments anymore. They rule only by permission (John 18:36-37). In the Book of Revelation Jesus is everything we need.

           Lord, I see the greatness of Jesus more clearly than ever. I will worship Him today with all of my heart.