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 16, 2026

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Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, to test you, and you will suffer affliction for ten days. Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life. Rev 2:10.

           Jesus says, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” Why? Because “there is no fear in love. . . perfect love drives out fear. . .” and “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:18-19, NIV).
           Those who fear God have placed themselves in God’s control and are really not impressed with anybody else. They have learned to trust God in all circumstances because He knows all circumstances. He permits nothing that wouldn’t be for our good in the long run. He permits nothing that we can’t handle if we are in relationship with Him.
           Sometimes we get into situations that we can’t handle. We still don’t need to be afraid. Do you remember the story about the time when I was snorkeling near Heron Island in the Great Barrier Reef? I had injured my leg the week before and was getting a little tired. I decided to rest from my snorkeling by standing up occasionally and keeping my nose above the water while I rested. But as I carried out this plan I discovered that the water was not five-feet deep, but seven-feet deep and shore was 400 yards away.
           I realized that I did not have the strength to make it back and I began to panic. I was desperately taking in ocean water, convinced that my life was over. A rock suddenly appeared in the sand below, barely large enough to balance on. Then my wife swam over and was able to help me keep my balance. Professional help arrived and I was on my way safely toward shore.
           The overwhelming thought in my mind as I reached the beach was that I must be alive for a purpose. God had a reason for me to go on living and intervened to accomplish that. What is most pertinent to our text today is that the incident has taken away my fear. I know that God is in control of my existence. You could say that I am already on borrowed time, so I really don’t need to be afraid anymore.
           A year or so later I was walking where tourists don’t often go, through a deserted Muslim section of the old city of Jerusalem. Some of my students saw me walking alone and hid around a corner. When I came by they came roaring out and hollering like they were going to kill me. I didn’t know who they were but I did not react. To my surprise and theirs, I was not afraid.
           Now I don’t intend to be stupid and go places where I don’t belong, but if God is in control of my life, I don’t have to be afraid. If God is with me and it’s time, then it’s time. I don’t have to worry about when. Fear is no longer in control.

           Lord, thank you for those times when I instinctively live by faith. Increase my faith.