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 July 12, 2026

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“And I will give to my two witnesses even that they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, dressed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lamps which stand before the Lord of the earth. Rev 11:3-4.

           The identity of the two witnesses is one of the most disputed issues in the Book of Revelation. But whoever they are, one thing is clear. They represent the message of the gospel, a message that God intends will be heard throughout the earth before the end comes (Matt 24:14; Rev 11:11-12; 14:6-7). The two witnesses are portrayed as standing all alone, challenging the wrongs of their day and standing for God in the face of great opposition.
           We too are sometimes called to stand alone for God. Such times are not pleasant. We prefer to be part of the “in” crowd, to be accepted in a group that believes and lives the way we do. But in hard times that may not be the case. The good news is that, as we make disciples for Jesus, our lonely influence is multiplied and many others receive Him in spite of the difficulties that following Christ can bring in this world.
           In 1870 a Hindu Chuchra named Charles Ditt was converted to Christ. The Chuchras, a subgroup among the untouchables of India, are part of the lowest caste among the Hindus. In places they are treated as of less worth than some animals. Charles Ditt added to his lowly caste position the social stigma of converting to Christianity. In many Indian minds Christian converts are like traitors to their country.
           Ditt faced considerable persecution as he carried the message of Jesus Christ with him from village to village. In eleven years, however, over 500 Chuchras became Christians in response to his ministry. By 1900 more than half of these lowly people had been converted to Christ and by 1915 all but a few hundred members of this caste professed the Christian faith. Ditt certainly was no longer standing alone in his relationship with Christ.¹
           In today’s world we are all called to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Three out of four people in our world do not believe in Jesus as their personal savior, and half of the people in the world have yet to hear about him in a meaningful way. While there is little any one of us can do about reaching the billions, we can each reach out to the one or two lost people who are closest to us. We cannot know ahead of time which one will prove to be a Charles Ditt, someone specially gifted by God to reach large numbers for Christ.
           The work of God will be completed under God’s supervision and in God’s time. Our personal part is to sense His direction and His call each day.

           Lord, lead me to someone who needs You, or lead them to me, today. Touch me with the right words to say. Help me to be alert to recognize that person when he or she appears.

¹ Based on Keener, 300-301.