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 November 2, 2026

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A mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea saying, “Thus with violence the Great City Babylon will be thrown down and it will not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flute players and trumpeters will not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft will be found in you anymore. The sound of a millstone will not be heard in you anymore. Rev 18:21-22.

           As we have seen, economic exploitation and negligence are a major part of Babylon’s pattern of sin. As the world’s largest economy, the United States of America can largely dictate trade policies in its own interests. While many of the problems in developing countries are self-inflicted, that is no excuse for selfish advantage.
           Today over a billion people live on the equivalent of less than a dollar a day. The richest 20 per cent of the world’s people use 83 per cent of the resources, the poorest 20 percent only 1.4 per cent. 450 million people are malnourished or facing starvation. 250,000 children die every week from malnutrition and easily preventable diseases. 80 per cent of brain development occurs by age two, yet 150 million children in the world lack the protein intake necessary for adequate brain development, leading to permanent retardation.
           The average annual income in the US is about $20,000, in Bangladesh it is less than $200. So one would think that the US could afford to provide much help to less-fortunate countries. After all, one’s location at birth is not due to merit, it is a gift from God. Yet in assisting developing countries, Norway ranks the highest (1.12 per cent of Gross National Product) and the US is next to last (0.25 percent) among the wealthier nations. In any given year the US budgets twenty times as much for defense as for foreign assistance, and two-thirds of the latter is for military aid. On top of that, protectionist trade practices cost developing nations twice as much as the total value of aid they receive. One day we will have to give an account.¹
           Advertising makes us think that we need more things and makes us forget the needs of others. How tragic! There is much more satisfaction in relationship than in accumulating possessions. While possessions are not evil in themselves, their value is minimal compared with the needs of brothers and sisters in Christ.
           Revelation 18 reminds us that God does not look the other way in the face of economic injustice. He will bring down every empire in time. When we squander money on things we do not need, will we somehow escape Babylon’s judgment?

           Lord, I am sobered as I contemplate the personal implications of Babylon’s fall. Open my eyes to how You view my stewardship of the resources You have given me.

¹ Based on Keener, 441-444.