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 3, 2026

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But to the remnant of you in Thyatira, as many as do not hold her teaching, those who have not learned the “deep things of Satan,” as they call them (I place no other burden upon you), I say nevertheless, “Hold on to what you have until I come.” Rev 2:24-25.

           Jesus offers counsel to the faithful ones in the church, He calls them a “remnant.” This is the first time the word appears in the Book of Revelation. The remnant in this text are those who, while they may tolerate Jezebel’s role in the church, do not accept or practice her teachings. In this they anticipate God’s final remnant at the end of time (Rev 12:17).
           Scholars are not certain as to the meaning of “Satan’s so-called deep secrets.” Sometimes people become so confident in Christ that they think they can toy with Satan. It may well be that “Jezebel” was claiming that from her deep experience of the things of Satan, she could teach people how to control him and demonstrate the fruits of victory over Satan. While the text is not clear, she may have been exercising some type of exorcist ministry (casting out demons).
           It is true that Christians will have victory over Satan in Christ. When oppressed by Satan, we can call on God in the name, the power and the blood of Jesus Christ. When we encounter others similarly oppressed we can do the same. The power of Jesus Christ is real and is manifested at such times in remarkable ways. I am speaking from experience.
           But there is danger here as well. Encounters with Satan are more scary and thrilling than bungee jumping or sky diving! If we let the power of Christ in such situations “go to our heads” we may be tempted to seek out more such encounters to show off “our power” to others. But in the subtle selfishness of our mixed motives we open ourselves up to the very oppression we are claiming to free people from. While Satan is subject to the power of Christ, he is certainly smarter and more powerful than we are in our own strength. There is no ground for boasting in delivering Satan’s captives for Christ. Pride in our effectiveness for Christ, as was the case with “Jezebel,” puts us on the pathway to unexpected destruction.
           The remnant in Thyatira are facing enormous challenges. Jesus doesn’t “pile on” in His criticisms of them. He places no other burden on them than to “hang on” until He comes. It would be easy for the remnant to fall into a cycle of guilt and shame over their past failures to confront Jezebel and her disciples. But Jesus asks no more of them than to hold the course that they are capable of if they will trust completely in Him. They are not perfect, but Jesus says, “I will not put any further burdens on you. Hang on to what you already have.”

           Lord, I am tired of one mistake after another. Help me to “hang on” one day at a time. Help me to grow on Your schedule into the person You want me to be.