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 16, 2025

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And I saw heaven standing open, and I observed a white horse, and the one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and upon his head are many crowns, having a name written which no one knows except him. He was dressed in a garment that had been dipped in blood, and his name was called “The Word of God.” And the armies of heaven were following him on white horses, dressed in fine linen, brilliant and pure. Rev 19:11-14.

           Kobe Bryant was born to greatness. His father was a player in the National Basketball Association, the world’s most respected professional league. From childhood on he was groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps. The ability to dunk, shoot and dribble was in his genes.
           After a spectacular high school career (named national Player of the Year in his senior year) he entered the NBA at the tender age of 18, the youngest player ever to get into a game. At the age of 20 he was a starter on one of the best teams in the world, the Los Angeles Lakers, and made the All-Star team. By the age of 22, in the year 2000, when most players are just entering the league as rookies, Kobe Bryant was unquestionably one of the best players in the world.
           A very handsome man, rich and famous, he could have lived the swinging life of an alpha male in a world that idolizes talent, wealth and fame. Instead, at age 24 he married the beautiful Vanessa Laine and became a family man, much to the disappointment of thousands of young women, to whom he was a hero. He also became a hero to many young men in the ghetto, who dreamed of a day when they could be like him.
           Then tragedy struck. In early July, 2003 he was staying at a resort hotel in Eagle, Colorado. He met a 19-year-old concierge in the lobby of the hotel and she visited his room. No one but the two of them knows what happened next. She accuses him of rape, he says what occurred took place with her consent. As I write, the painful round of charge and counter-charge is making its way through the courts. His wife and teammates have so far stood behind his story.
           Whether or not Bryant was guilty of a crime, the anguish on his face, and that of his wife, as he admitted infidelity on national television was painful to watch. It was a reminder to all that there is only one hero that we can honor without conditions, Jesus Christ. The minute we place others on a pedestal, or even try to climb on one ourselves, we invite failure. The one called The Word of God, who is always faithful and true, He is the only hero truly worth following.

           Lord, I need human mentors and guides, but I pray that my ultimate trust will be placed only in You. I pray also that my daily actions might be an encouragement and not a disappointment to any who choose to look up to me.