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 2, 2026

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Behold, I am throwing her into a bed, and those who have committed adultery with her into extremely hard circumstances, unless they repent of their works. And I will kill her children with death and all the churches will know that I am the one who searches minds and hearts. And I will give to each of you according to your works. Rev 2:22-23.

           The punishment here fits the crime. Since Jezebel has led others to commit fornication, she herself is thrown into a bed, the place where sexual relations usually take place (cf. Heb 13:4). But it is not clear if sexual relations are intended, the bed is also the place where people have to go when struck down by severe illness. The word “death” in this passage probably means “pestilence” or contagious disease.
           The phrase “I will kill her children with death” does not sit too well with people in today’s world, it has an abusive ring to it. While He was on earth, Jesus always loved children and would never wish them harm. Children often suffer, however, from the consequences of adult action, including the actions of their parents. In this case the “children” are probably adult disciples of Jezebel, those who believe and act on her teachings.¹
           This passage reminds us that gifted people can be wrong. Jezebel was a very gifted person, recognized as a prophetess with great authority and a following. This gifted teacher may not have realized it at first, but she was leading her people into darkness. How does this passage apply to church leaders today? If you and I are placed in leading positions in the church, how can we know when we are wrong? How can we know when the gifts that God has given us are being used to lead people in the wrong direction?
           More than once I have run into individuals who seem to be sincerely following God to the best of their ability and yet their followers are constantly getting into one difficulty or another. This has led me to ponder very carefully what the behavior of the disciple says about my actions or teachings.
           If you are the leader of a church, watch your “disciples” very carefully. What is their behavior like? What kinds of things are they teaching others? Followers often “catch” nuances in a teaching that the teacher may not even be aware of. The flaws in our teaching may only become clear in the later behavior of those who love the teacher. It is those who love the teacher the most whose behavior will most clearly demonstrate the flaws in one’s teaching.

           Lord I need greater discernment to fully understand the implications of everything I believe and teach. Help me be willing to submit to Your correction, even when it comes through individuals I may not particularly like.

¹ Aune, 1: 206.