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 January 15, 2026

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I, John, your brother and companion in the affliction and kingdom and patient endurance which is in Jesus, came to be on the island which is called Patmos, on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Rev 1:9.

           It is all too easy to pontificate about the sufferings of others when you haven’t experienced what they have gone through. I remember a beloved teacher whose wife was dying of cancer. I remember being awed by his graciousness to each student in spite of the horrible burden that he carried to school everyday. I remember the power of his life and of his impassioned expositions on love, marriage and suffering in the Christian life. I wanted nothing more than to be like him when I finished my education.
           Things went from bad to worse. Day after day we saw less of our teacher as he was more and more needed to care for his wife’s deteriorating condition. Occasionally he let us peek briefly through the curtain of his stoic fortitude and sense the pain that he and his wife were experiencing. The funeral was an awesome moment of melancholy in which we all embraced our beloved professor in his spiritual and emotional pain. The one who had so often carried us in our troubles now needed our support.
           I loved and admired this man. I wanted so badly to do or say something that would be helpful. In my mind I ranged through my seven years of ministry, thinking of all the brilliant things I might have said at funerals. Yet I had never, up to that point, lost anyone who was truly close to me. Aunts, uncles and parents were still alive and my grandparents had been somewhat distant.
           I took my teacher aside one day and shared some theological thoughts that I hoped would be helpful to him in his loss. I was stunned at his response. It was the only time I ever saw him angry. He said, “Don’t you ever do that to anyone again! None of that theology is worth a piece of manure right now. You don’t know what it means to lose your wife and your words only make it worse.” If the ground had opened up just then, I would gladly have jumped in!
           Only those who have truly suffered know how to comfort the suffering. John knows what they are going through from experience. Those who share in suffering or persecution are often unified in ways that transcend all other barriers. Race, culture and denominational differences matter little when experiencing the consequences of opposition to gospel. No pain is wasted. Knowing that others have felt what we feel has healing power for our own pain. And through suffering we learn how to minister to those who suffer.

           Lord, steer me away from theologies of success and prosperity. Help me embrace the hard things of this life. May my wounds have healing power in the lives of others.