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 June 1, 2026

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And when he opened the seventh sealthere was silence in heaven for about a half hour. Rev 8:1.

           This is probably the best place to review Revelation 4-7 and think briefly about the implications of the big picture.
           Chapter 4- This is a general description of the heavenly throne room with no particular point in time being expressed.
           Chapter 5- The scene moves to a decisive event. A crisis is averted in heaven when the Lamb that was slain proves worthy to take the scroll and break its seals.
           Chapter 6- Seven further events, each tied to the breaking of one of the seven seals, closes with the climax of earth’s history in the sixth and seventh seals.
           Chapter 7- Here we see two visionary groups that represent the answer to the question of Rev 6:17: “Who is able to stand?”
           The best interpretation of these chapters is found in Rev 3:21. It contains the essence of Revelation 4-7 in advance. Rev 3:21 mentions the Father’s throne (Rev 4:1-11), Jesus joining His Father on His throne (Rev 5:1-14), and His people joining Jesus on the throne (Rev 7:15-17). This incredible promise is given to all who “overcome.” That is what Revelation 6 is all about. It is about the struggle of God’s people to overcome from the cross until the Second Coming.
           Sitting with Jesus on His throne implies power, but there is something even more exciting in this image. It is about squeezing together on a throne!
           While my family has chosen to live without television reception, we do enjoy a video now and then. In the living room we have a TV monitor and the appropriate players that pipe the sound through six speakers, for an “surrounding” experience. There is a couch, a “love seat” and an arm chair available for family and friends. I love to cuddle up with my wife on the couch and watch a video together. The sense of shared experience and touch makes for real bonding.
           But my wife has a strange preference (it seems to me). Every so often she wants us to squeeze together into the arm chair. That is really, really close. My muscles cramp up, circulation gets cut off, but it does wonders for our relationship!
           I see something like that in the image of Revelation 3:21. Jesus not only offers us a place of importance and purpose, He offers a relationship that is really close and will never end. The greatest Person in the universe wants to spend really intimate time with me at His place. That makes me want to “overcome” more than anything! That is motivation enough for a lifetime.

           Lord, I am humbled by the awesome promise You have made to us. I will trust in You to see me through all the way to Your throne!