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 March 14, 2026

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And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, write: These things says the holy and true one, the one who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. I know your works. I have placed before you a door already opened, and no one is able to shut it. Although you have little strength, you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Rev 3:7-8.

           In the heart of Beijing, China is the old imperial palace called the “Forbidden City.” Within the walled boundaries of this network of buildings, the ancient emperors of the Chinese dynasties once lived and ruled. Common people were never to set foot on the grounds which were considered sacred and hence the name “Forbidden City.”
           In order to enter the well-fortified “city,” one must go through the very large and imposing Meridian Gate which is composed of five entrances. The central and grandest of these entrances was reserved only for the emperor himself. All the other officials and royal family members had to pass through one of the other four gates. The only exception to this practice was that the princess on her wedding day was allowed to enter the city through this special gate. Also, once a year, the three top scholars in China were allowed the rare honor of entering the city through the emperor’s gate.¹
           The letter to Philadelphia has a unique feature. Jesus does not just analyze the church’s past and offer a remedy, He describes what He is doing for them in the present. He has placed before them an open door that no one can shut. The ultimate Emperor does not reserve that door for Himself but throws it open to His followers from Philadelphia.
           What is this door and why does Jesus offer it and hold it open? Commentators have three main suggestions in answer to this question.
           1) Jesus is the door. As in John 10 Jesus is the one who guards the entrance to the church. Access to Jesus cannot be denied to His faithful Philadelphians.
           2) A door of missionary opportunity. Jesus promises them that their efforts to evangelize the lost would be successful (cf. 1 Cor 16:9; 2 Cor 2:12; Col 4:3).
           3) The door of heavenly knowledge. If this is Jesus’ intention, it would be in anticipation of Rev 4:1, where there is a door standing open in heavenly places. They have the knowledge about heavenly things that they are receiving from John in the Book of Revelation.
           Of these three I particularly like the first. Although others (the synagogue in Philadelphia) have excluded them from salvation, Someone far greater than their opponents welcomes them!

           Thank You, Lord, for providing a full and free salvation in Christ. As I continue in my walk with You, help me never to doubt my access to You.

¹ Based on an email from Jim Park, December 5, 2004.