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 13, 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. Rev 3:7.

           Jesus declares Himself to be the one who holds the key of David. He has the authority to open and to shut. This makes Him the one who controls entrance to the royal palace, the place where the authority of the kingdom is concentrated.
           The language of this text is based on Isa 22:22. Judah was under attack by Sennacherib of Assyria. The leaders of the nation had gathered weapons, shored up the city walls and secured the water supply of the city. But God criticized their work because in all their preparations they never asked Him for help. Instead, when they realized that their situation was hopeless, they decided to party and enjoy what few resources they had left before death overtook them (Isa 22:1-13).
           Shebna, who was in charge of the royal palace, proved to be as materialistic as the people, commissioning a spectacular grave to be carved out for himself in a prominent place (Isa 22:15-16). The Lord deposed him from his position and gave the key of David to Eliakim the son of Hilkiah instead (Isa 22:17-21). From then on Eliakim would be the one with the authority to open and shut the doors of the kingdom (Isa 22:22).
           In the American government the position described here is called Chief of Staff. This position came to the attention of the American people during the Watergate crisis of 1973-74. H. R. Haldeman, President Nixon’s chief of staff, had full control of the president’s schedule. He decided who could get in to see the president and who could not. If he didn’t like someone, that person would never see the president unless the president intervened personally!
           Many people have the idea that the top leaders of American government meet with the president on a daily basis. Actually very few have that privilege. Above all others the chief of staff is in constant contact with the president. If he wishes and the president allows, the chief of staff can become the most powerful and influential position in the US government, even though the individual is neither elected by the people nor ratified by Congress.
           As in Smyrna, the members of the church at Philadelphia experienced conflict in relation to the local synagogue. It is likely that the Christians of Philadelphia were disfellowshiped from the synagogue and may have questioned whether they had lost their place in heaven as well. Jesus assures them that He, and He alone, decides who enters the temple of God. In relationship with Him, their position with God is secure.

           Lord, I treasure the access I have with You in Christ. Help me to serve You today with joy and confidence, knowing that Jesus has set before me an open door.