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 May 16, 2026

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And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one sitting on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of his wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Rev 6:16-17.

           A friend of mine was invited to teach a class in Bangkok, Thailand. One of his students was a pastor in the northeastern part of the country, close to the Cambodian border, about 400 miles from Bangkok. Since a child was sick, the pastor decided to head home for the weekend and invited his teacher to travel with him for a new experience.
           After an all night bus ride, which was an adventure in itself, the two men arrived in the very beautiful and tranquil rice fields of rural Thailand. The pastor’s home was located on the same property as the church and they had a delightful Sabbath school and worship service with the local people. After a refreshing potluck and conversation, the two men set out to visit some members in another district.
           It was a very rewarding experience for Jim to visit in the homes of these hospitable people and eat a traditional Thai meal of sticky rice dipped in various sauces, which range from mild to painfully hot.
           When he and his student got home, they were all preparing to get some rest. The pastor’s wife was in the bathroom area where the washing machine was located, preparing a load of clothes. The floor was wet as she adjusted the plug and all of a sudden jolts of powerful electricity were surging through her. She screamed out for her husband. Fortunately, he was not only near but had the presence of mind to shut off the electricity instead of touching her and adding himself to the shock treatment.
           It took about an hour for the poor wife to recover from this almost deadly encounter. Although my friend didn’tunderstand any Thai, he could tell the next day that she was excitedly telling everyone she met about the previous night’s escape from certain death.¹
           In our text the very presence of God and the Lamb provides the equivalent of an overwhelming jolt of electricity to those who experience the Coming of Christ. Without the mercy and protection of Jesus our Savior, sinners will not be able to endure the shock of God’s presence. But chapter seven of Revelation makes it clear that the 144,000 and the great multitude will be able to stand in that day. For those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:14), He functions as an insulator to the overwhelming power of God’s presence. And even now His ability to save us is just a prayer away.

           Lord, I am so grateful that the purity of Jesus’ righteousness is reckoned to me each day. Help me to be fully aware of my need for Him.

¹ Email from Jim Park, December 14, 2003.