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 February 2, 2026

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I know your works, . . . I know your affliction and your poverty, . . . I know where you live, . . . I know your works, . . . I know your works, . . . I know your works, . . . I know your works. Rev 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15.

           A common message to each of the seven churches is the clear assertion that Jesus knows all there is to know about each of the churches. Early in each “letter” is a statement like, “I know your works.” Jesus not only knows everything we do, He knows what we can become. He wants each church to become all that it can be. He wants each church to live according to His design.
           Jesus knew all about John as well. He had a plan and a purpose for his life. Jesus knew John could handle the powerful visions that form the core of the message of Revelation (Rev 1:1). In writing out Revelation John was acting out Jesus’ design for his life (1:11, 19).
           God has a design and a purpose for every person’s life. He told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart (Jer 1:5, NIV).” If God had a unique design for Jeremiah and for John, and a unique purpose for each of the seven churches, there can be little doubt that He has a unique design for each one of us. But unlike Jeremiah and John, God’s design for our temperament and spiritual purpose is not always plain.
           My wife, Pamella, once believed that God’s design for her was to be a pastor’s wife, to simply be and do whatever that required. But over time she came to realize that this was a secondary purpose, supportive of mine, important in itself, but not by itself her own, unique mission for God.
           She then plunged for more than a decade into the full-time role of mother and home school teacher. These roles were and are extremely important, and many, like Mary the mother of Jesus, have found fullness of purpose in these roles. But my wife often felt frustrated and empty, sensing that somehow this was not all there was to God’s design for her.
           More recently she has plunged into a college education, preparing to assist God in the beautification of this planet through the skills of horticulture and landscape design. These roles have been intensely satisfying at times, and yet the question for her has lingered; Is that all God wants me to do?
           There has been a great blessing in this uncertainty. Pamella has plunged into an intense study of the process by which people can come to know God’s design and purpose for them (see tomorrow’s devotional). How is it with you? Do you understand God’s purpose and design for you? If so, are you living by it, or have you been distracted from it by the cares of this life?

           Lord, I submit myself entirely to Your design and purpose for me. I am willing to be and do according to Your will.