Revelation 1:16

Stars] see on Revelation 1:20. sword] A comparison with Isaiah 11:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:8 shows that this probably signifies that Christ has but to 'speak the word' and His enemies will be destroyed. He has absolute authority.

18. I am he that, etc.] RV 'and the Living one; and I was dead'; 'Living,' i.e. eternally, both before and after the Incarnation: cp. John 1:1; John 1:4, and OT. phrase 'living God.' The persecuted need not fear death, for Christ had died. Hell and of death] RV 'death and of Hades.' 'Hades' = OT. 'Sheol,' the world of the dead, not the place of punishment: cp. Isaiah 14:9; (RM) Isaiah 38:10; (RM) Matthew 16:18. He has the 'keys' because the time and manner of the death of each person are under His control. To think of this would give heart to the persecuted.