17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.

A. Fell as dead - How would you react? It was clear that John was in the presence of deity. He was filled with fear and awe. All he knew to do was to fall down at the feet of Jesus.

B. Right hand - Jesus extends his hand to offer assurance and comfort.

C. Fear not - Jesus used these words when the apostles thought they were going to die in the storm on Galilee. The word “fear” in this passage refers to being afraid. Jesus was offering comfort. There is no reason to have any fear of harm.

D. First and last - This is a parallel phrase to those in verse 11.

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Old Testament