In an intriguing sermon, bestselling author and prophetic voice Jonathan Cahn dives deep into the first chapter of the book of Revelation, uncovering powerful truths often missed by modern readers.
“Who are the kings? It’s us,” Cahn boldly declares, explaining how Revelation opens by identifying believers as both kings and priests. Drawing from the Greek word for “king,” which implies sovereignty, Cahn emphasizes that believers are not meant to live under the weight of the world, but as those who rule over sin, bondage, and fear. “You are to live over everything,” he says. “You are royal, sovereign over your situation.”
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Revelation, Cahn notes, comes from the Greek word apokalypsis, often misunderstood today as doom or disaster. Instead, it means “the unveiling” or “the removal of the veil”—a revelation of the person of Jesus Christ, not merely end-time events.
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One surprising insight from Cahn’s message is the possibility that the apostle John was himself part of the line of priests. Citing John 18, he points out that only someone known to the high priest would have been allowed into the priestly courtyard during Jesus’ trial. He also notes John’s hesitation to enter the tomb in John 20—an action consistent with Jewish law for priests who were to avoid contact with death. “It would make perfect sense,” Cahn says, “for the one writing Revelation, filled with priestly imagery, to be a priest himself.”
Cahn further explains that the word martyr in Greek simply means “witness.” Though commonly associated with dying for one’s faith, the term originally emphasized bearing witness to the truth of Christ through one’s life.
He then highlights Revelation’s unique blessing. “This is the only book in the Bible that says you are blessed just for reading it,” Cahn says. “And you’re blessed for hearing it.” The word used—makarios—means “happy” or “blessed,” signaling a divine encouragement for those who engage with the prophetic word.
To order James Lasher’s new book, The Revelation of Jesus, visit Amazon.com.
A profound portion of the message centers on the phrase “Alpha and Omega.” Cahn ties the Greek letters to their Hebrew counterparts, showing how Aleph (A) symbolizes strength and leadership, while Tav (T), the last letter, represents the cross. “The cross is the end—the end of sin, the end of the curse,” he explains. “Jesus said, ‘It is finished,’ and it was.”
Cahn also connects Revelation to prophecies in Daniel and Zechariah, particularly the imagery of the Messiah coming “on the clouds” and being seen by “those who pierced Him.” With today’s global media reach, he says, the fulfillment of such prophecies is more feasible than ever before.
Finally, Cahn describes John’s exile to Patmos—a small, rocky island off the coast of Asia Minor. Church tradition holds that John was sent there during the reign of Emperor Domitian for preaching the gospel. “John wasn’t just writing from a distance,” Cahn says. “He was a fellow partaker in persecution, speaking to a church under fire.”
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From unveiling hidden priestly insights to connecting ancient prophecy with modern possibility, Cahn’s message challenges listeners to not just study Revelation, but to live in the authority, holiness and expectancy it proclaims.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
