Verse
Context
John’s Vision on Patmos
16He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.17When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,18the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I fell at his feet as dead - The appearance of the glory of the Lord had then same effect upon Ezekiel, Eze 1:28 : and the appearance of Gabriel had the same effect on Daniel, Dan 8:17. The terrible splendor of such majesty was more than the apostle could bear, and he fell down deprived of his senses, but was soon enabled to behold the vision by a communication of strength from our Lord's right hand.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
So fallen is man that God's manifestation of His glorious presence overwhelms him. laid his right hand upon me--So the same Lord Jesus did at the Transfiguration to the three prostrate disciples, of whom John was one, saying, Be not afraid. The "touch" of His hand, as of old, imparted strength. unto me--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. the first . . . the last-- (Isa 41:4; Isa 44:6; Isa 48:12). From eternity, and enduring to eternity: "the First by creation, the Last by retribution: the First, because before Me there was no God formed; the Last, because after Me there shall be no other: the First, because from Me are all things; the Last, because to Me all things return" [RICHARD OF ST. VICTOR].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when I saw him,.... The glorious person here described, who was just behind him, and of whom he had a full view, being so near him: I fell at his feet as dead; through consternation and fear, the sight was so amazing and terrible; the appearance of a divine person in any degree of majesty and glory, has had some considerable effect upon men, even upon the best of men; but John seems to be more affected with it than any, as the vision was the more grand and illustrious: Manoah was afraid he should die, but did not fall down as dead; Ezekiel fell upon his face, but had his senses; Daniel's comeliness turned into corruption, and he retained no strength, he fainted, and fell into a deep sleep; see Jdg 13:22; but John fell down at once, as dead. This panic which good men were seized with, at any more than ordinary appearance of God, or apprehension of his presence, arose from a notion that present death ensues a sight of him; hence Jacob wonders, and is thankful, that he had seen God face to face, and yet his life was preserved, Gen 32:30; and such an effect as here, upon the body, any uncommon discovery of the divine Being has, partly through the weakness of human nature, which in its present circumstances is not able to bear the rays and glories of a divine person; hence the resurrection of the body in power, glory, and immortality, incorruption and spirituality, is necessary to the enjoyment of God and Christ in a state of bliss and happiness to all eternity; and partly through a consciousness of sin, which ever since the fall of Adam has occasioned fear and perturbation of mind, even in the best of saints, when they have had any sense of the divine Majesty being near, in an unusual form of glory: and he laid his right hand upon me; even the same in which he had, and held the seven stars; and which showed what an affection he had for him, in what esteem he had him, what care he took of him, and what power he would exert in lifting up, strengthening, and supporting him; for he laid not his hand on him in wrath and angers, but in love; and in order to raise him up and revive his spirits, and remove his fears; hence the Ethiopic version renders it, "and he took hold on me with his right hand, and lifted me up"; as he does all who in a spiritual sense fall at his feet; it is always safe and comfortable falling there: saying unto me, fear not; language which John had heard from him in the days of his flesh, and might therefore be chose now on purpose that he might the sooner know who he was and be comforted; see Mat 14:27. I am the first and the last; a way of speaking used by God when he is about to comfort his people, and remove their fears; see Isa 41:4; and is used by Christ for the same purpose here; and so is a proof of his true and proper deity, and is expressive of his eternity, and also of his dignity and excellency: he is the first and last in divine predestination, in the covenant of grace, in creation, in the business of salvation, and in his church, by whom, and for whom, are all things in it; he is the head of the body, the Son over his own house, and the firstborn among many brethren; and so the Alexandrian copy read, here, "the firstborn and the last". "the first", is a name of the Messiah with the Jews (t); See Gill on Rev 1:8. (t) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 5. 1. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 63. fol. 55. 2. Vajikra Rabba, sect. 30. fol. 171. 2. & Tzeror Hammor, fol. 71. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:17 When I saw him, I fell . . . dead: Terror and a dead faint, if not death itself (see Exod 33:20), frequently result when someone sees God (see Isa 6:1-5; Matt 28:4). The Lord graciously responds by the touch of his right hand (cp. Matt 25:34) and the words “Don’t be afraid!” (cp. Luke 1:13), indicating both grace and acceptance. • I am: The phrase identifies Jesus as God (see study note on Rev 1:8).
John’s Vision on Patmos
16He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.17When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,18the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Pure Heart and Pure Church
By Leonard Ravenhill7.2K1:21:42PurityPSA 51:10ISA 53:5MAT 6:33ROM 6:23REV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the state of the church and individuals who are filled with carnality, pride, anger, and secret lust. He emphasizes the need for restoration and the role of God in bringing back joy and healing. The preacher shares personal experiences of starting churches with no resources and relying on prayer and faith. He also highlights the power of hymns and the impact of conviction and repentance in transforming lives. The sermon concludes with a critique of superficial preaching and a call for genuine transformation in the lives of believers.
The Way of the Cross
By Zac Poonen4.2K1:26:28CrossREV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice to follow God's way. He highlights the concept of falling into the ground and dying, which leads to bearing much fruit. Jesus values sacrifice and looks beyond the quantity of our actions to the level of sacrifice involved. The preacher also discusses the way of the cross, where we may face persecution and remain silent, but ultimately triumph through God's love. The sermon concludes with an invitation to come up higher and embrace the new covenant life, where we can be as Jesus is in this world.
Being Filled With the Holy Spirit
By Gerhard Du Toit3.8K44:42Holy SpiritPSA 119:11MAL 3:2MAT 6:33HEB 4:12HEB 12:2REV 1:17In this sermon, the speaker begins by inviting the congregation to share any testimonies or words that God has spoken to them. They emphasize the power of the Word of God, describing it as quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. The speaker then reflects on the Apostle John's encounter with Christ in the Book of Revelation, where John fell as dead at His feet. They highlight the importance of finishing the race well and keeping our focus on Jesus. The sermon concludes with a prayer for thankfulness and a desire to have a vision of the risen Christ in our lives.
Five Rules for Christian Living - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer3.2K30:35Christian LivingPSA 111:10PRO 1:7PRO 9:10MAT 6:33ROM 3:18HEB 12:28REV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a holy fear and reverence for God. He explains that this kind of fear cannot be induced by external factors like fancy clothing, music, or rituals. Instead, it is a deep awe and respect that comes from recognizing God's power and glory. The preacher also discusses the concept of holy living and the rules that Christians have historically followed to guide their behavior. He highlights the need to honor all of God's creation and to recognize the divine image in every person.
Finishing the Course - 03 the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
By Zac Poonen2.9K1:59:48Finishing WellGEN 18:27GEN 42:21JOB 42:5ISA 6:5MAT 17:6LUK 5:8REV 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the opinions of men and instead being open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. He highlights how in the Old Testament, whenever people received enlightenment from the scriptures, they saw Jesus and had a profound reaction of humility and awe. The speaker encourages the audience to seek not just to hear about God, but to truly see Him in their meetings and encounters with Him. He also shares a story about children trying to tell the biggest lie to win a dog, illustrating the need for humility and honesty in our interactions with others. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing his desire to preach in a way that shines the light on Jesus and blows the trumpet of truth, even if he himself remains unseen or unknown.
Necessity of Seeing Jesus as King
By David Smithers1.9K1:00:51KingdomPSA 24:7PSA 47:2ISA 6:1MAT 6:33JHN 13:23COL 1:13REV 1:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of how surrendering their heart to God allowed the word of God to have a deeper impact on their life. They emphasize the importance of being subject to God in all areas of life in order for His word to be powerful. The speaker encourages the audience to seek a revelation of the King, which will reveal the state of their own hearts and bring about new understanding and needs. They also highlight the need to fully surrender to God as King in order to believe and stand on His promises. The sermon references Isaiah's vision of the Lord high and lifted up as an example of the awe and reverence we should have for God.
(Revelation) Revelation 21:22-22:21
By Zac Poonen1.6K58:43REV 1:1REV 1:7REV 1:17REV 1:19REV 21:23REV 22:6REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Revelation and its central theme of the second coming of Christ. The sermon begins with an emphasis on the importance of obedience and proclaiming the word of God to others. The preacher then briefly reviews the content of the book of Revelation, starting with chapter 1 which introduces the revelation of Jesus Christ and the exhortations and promises given to believers. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the total sovereignty of God and the need for believers to trust in His control, especially in these days leading up to the fulfillment of the events described in Revelation.
Fear Not, I Am the First and the Last
By Jack Hyles1.3K32:48ISA 41:10MAT 6:33MAT 10:28ROM 8:35PHP 4:19REV 1:17REV 7:17In this sermon, the preacher encourages his audience to trust in God and not be afraid. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and believing that God will provide for their needs. The preacher shares examples of how God has taken care of him and his church in the past, even in difficult times. He reminds the audience that no matter what happens in the world, Jesus will always be there for them.
Precious Purity
By Erlo Stegen1.2K00:00Purity2CO 11:2REV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a pure and holy life before God. He uses the analogy of burning bronze that cannot be contained by sand to illustrate that God's judgment and righteousness cannot be hidden or avoided. The preacher warns against treating sin lightly and urges listeners to repent and turn away from sinful behavior. He also shares a story of a bridegroom who discovered that his wife was not a virgin and demanded his dowry back, highlighting the significance of purity in relationships. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's word to be written in the hearts and minds of the congregation, and for engaged couples to live in purity and holiness as a testimony to the world.
(Compilation) Lord Let Me See Your Glory
By Zac Poonen1.1K14:35EXO 33:18PSA 27:4ISA 6:5LUK 10:38JHN 4:23REV 1:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of the Lord, seeking His beauty and glory above all else. It highlights the need for humility, genuine worship, and a deep desire to see God's glory, leading to a transformed life. The speaker challenges listeners to prioritize being a worshiper of God over ministry work, emphasizing the impact of living in God's presence on one's effectiveness in serving Him.
Consider Our Spiritual Condition
By Stephen Kaung84158:06HEB 3:1HEB 12:3REV 1:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of considering Christ as the first, last, and living one in our lives, urging believers to reflect on their spiritual condition and relationship with the Lord. It draws parallels from the rebuilding of the temple in Haggai to encourage introspection and surrender to God's will, highlighting the need to prioritize Christ above all else and live by His life within us. The speaker underscores the imminent return of Jesus and the necessity to be prepared by yielding fully to Him.
Gird Up Now Thy Loins
By Emanuel Esh7231:26:13ObedienceJOB 38:3EZK 1:28MAT 1:1MRK 1:1LUK 1:1JHN 20:31REV 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of God's mercy in revealing one's true nature. He uses the analogy of a person trying to escape from God's conviction, but ultimately being confronted with their own selfishness and sinfulness. The sermon then shifts to discussing salvation and the Christian walk, highlighting the importance of sanctification and the ongoing steps in the Christian life. The speaker encourages the audience to seek a deeper understanding of God and to recognize their need for His mercy and grace.
Behold I Am Alive Evermore
By Bakht Singh7111:27:46ResurrectionREV 1:3REV 1:8REV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the subject of the second coming of Jesus Christ as mentioned in the Holy Quran. The preacher highlights how this topic is repeatedly mentioned in the book of Revelation, with phrases like "which is to come" and "which is, and was, and which is to come." The main purpose of the book of Revelation is seen as preparing believers for the second coming of Jesus. The preacher emphasizes that this subject should not be approached merely as an academic exercise, but rather as a source of abundant joy and the secret to a triumphant life.
What Is the Testimony of Jesus?
By Stephen Kaung6881:01:41ISA 43:10REV 1:9REV 1:17This sermon delves into the concept of God's need for testimony, exploring the creation of man to defeat Satan and bring glory to God. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and embodying the testimony of Jesus, focusing on Christ as the first and the last, the living one who overcame death and Hades. The speaker urges listeners to examine if Christ is truly the center of their lives and challenges them to live a life that reflects the testimony of Jesus.
Easter Revisited
By Thaddeus Barnum47428:43EasterREV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher addresses the fear and anxiety that many people have about death. He emphasizes that fear of death is not part of God's plan, as God is the giver of life. The preacher explains that sin entered the world through one man, leading to death, but through Jesus Christ, believers have the hope of eternal life. He encourages listeners to trust in God's grace and power, and to boast in their weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in them.
I Fell at His Feet as Dead
By Shane Idleman201:02:26RevivalHumility before GodREV 1:17Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for revival in the church, calling believers back to the basics of prayer, fasting, and holiness amidst the darkness of the world. He reflects on the profound humility that comes from encountering God, as illustrated in Revelation, where John fell at Jesus' feet in awe and reverence. Idleman stresses the importance of perseverance in prayer, even when results are not immediately visible, and the necessity of seeking true peace that surpasses understanding. He warns against distractions from worldly influences and encourages a focus on God's Word to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that Jesus holds the keys to life and death, urging them to embrace His truth and grace.
The Deity of Jesus Christ
By R.A. Torrey2Faith in JesusThe Deity of ChristMAT 22:41JHN 10:30JHN 14:1JHN 14:9JHN 20:28ROM 9:5COL 2:9TIT 2:13HEB 1:8REV 1:17R.A. Torrey emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in Christianity, posing the critical question of His true nature: Is Jesus Christ God? He argues that a correct understanding of Christ's deity is essential for sound faith, asserting that the Bible provides overwhelming evidence of Jesus' divine nature through His names, attributes, and the worship He receives. Torrey highlights that Jesus possesses divine attributes such as omnipotence and omniscience, and fulfills divine offices like creation and judgment, thus affirming His status as God. He warns against modern interpretations that dilute the traditional understanding of Christ's divinity, urging believers to hold firm to the truth of Jesus as God manifest in the flesh.
Look Backward, Upward and Forward
By Zac Poonen2PRO 3:5PHP 3:13HEB 12:22PE 1:9REV 1:17Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of looking backward, upward, and forward in our spiritual journey. Looking backward helps us remember God's faithfulness, forgiveness, and mercy, strengthening our faith and gratitude. Looking upward allows us to see more of the glory of the Lord, humbling us and keeping us in brokenness and humility. Looking forward in faith reminds us that God has great plans for us and encourages us to focus on doing His work on earth.
(New Wine in New Wineskins) 1. New Wineskins
By Zac Poonen1EXO 4:10JOB 40:4PRO 4:18ISA 6:5ISA 30:15DAN 10:8LUK 5:372CO 3:182CO 12:9REV 1:17Zac Poonen preaches on the significance of new wine being put into new wineskins, symbolizing the life of Jesus in the church He builds. He emphasizes the need to wait on God, allowing our strength and self-efforts to come to an end so that God's power can manifest in our weakness. Poonen highlights the importance of brokenness, humility, and self-judgment in experiencing the new wine of Jesus' life and the new covenant blessings. He challenges believers to break free from religious traditions that hinder the work of God and to embrace God's ways in building the body of Christ.
The Fear Nots of the Old and New Testament.
By Andrew Bonar1God's PromisesFearGEN 15:1GEN 21:17GEN 26:24GEN 43:23GEN 46:3EXO 14:13EXO 20:20REV 1:17Andrew Bonar emphasizes the recurring theme of 'Fear Not' throughout the Bible, illustrating how God's promises are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He highlights various instances where God reassures His people, from Abraham to the Israelites at the Red Sea, encouraging believers to trust in God's presence and provision. Bonar reminds us that these promises are not just historical but are applicable to all who believe in the Promised One. He urges listeners to approach God with confidence, knowing that He has removed our fears and burdens through Jesus. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that we can face the future without fear, as Christ holds the keys of life and death.
Rev. 1:17-18. Fear and Its Remedy
By Horatius Bonar1Comfort in ChristFearREV 1:17Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound encounter of John with the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:17-18, where John's fear leads him to fall as dead before the Lord. Christ reassures him with a gentle touch and the words 'Fear not,' revealing His eternal nature as the First and the Last, the Living One who conquered death. Bonar highlights the importance of recognizing Christ's glory and His role as the source of life, comfort, and authority over death and hell. This vision serves as a reminder for believers to find strength and peace in the knowledge of who Christ is, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. Ultimately, Bonar encourages the congregation to embrace the living Christ, who holds the keys to life and death, and to cast away their fears.
That They Have Great Effects on the Body, Is No Sign
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 84:2PSA 119:120DAN 10:8HAB 3:16REV 1:17Jonathan Edwards discusses the effects of affections on the body, emphasizing that all affections, whether spiritual or not, have some impact on the body due to the close connection between the soul and body. He argues that great effects on the body do not necessarily indicate spiritual affections, as strong emotions can also arise from temporal or natural sources. Edwards challenges the notion that high spiritual affections cannot have a significant effect on the body, pointing out that divine revelations of God's glory can overwhelm the physical frame. He highlights biblical examples where intense religious affections led to bodily manifestations, suggesting that such bodily effects can be a sign of genuine spiritual experiences.
Holiness to See God
By Glenn Meldrum02KI 15:1ISA 6:1MAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 3:192CO 2:151PE 1:16REV 1:17Glenn Meldrum preaches on the awe-inspiring encounters of the Almighty with humanity, emphasizing the need for divine revelations to transform us. Using Isaiah's vision of the Lord, he delves into nine essential points regarding revival, highlighting the importance of humility, preparation, worship, conviction of sin, and the call to be sent by God. The sermon underscores the revolutionary nature of revival, where transformed individuals become agents of change through holiness and intimate relationship with Christ.
Experiencing God 2
By Anton Bosch0EXO 3:6JOB 42:5ISA 6:5ACT 9:4REV 1:17Anton Bosch challenges the common notion of 'experiencing God' as being man-centered, emphasizing that true encounters with God in the Bible left individuals broken, humbled, and with a deep sense of their sinfulness and unworthiness. He contrasts these genuine experiences with modern descriptions of feeling wonderful, uplifting, or thrilling, highlighting the need for a real transformation when encountering God. Bosch stresses that authentic meetings with God result in lasting, fundamental changes in speech, goals, lifestyle, and attitudes, unlike shallow emotional encounters that lack true substance.
The Same, the First and the Last
By H.J. Vine0ISA 41:4ISA 44:6ISA 48:12REV 1:17REV 2:8REV 22:13H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of calling upon the Lord out of a pure heart, following righteousness, faith, love, and peace, especially in difficult times as foretold in 2 Timothy 3:1. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to maintain simplicity and grow in the knowledge of the Lord, focusing on calling upon the Lord Himself sincerely and intelligently, seeking a fuller knowledge of Christ for eternal blessings. The message highlights the desire for believers to know the Lord habitually and intelligently, seeking a deeper relationship with Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I fell at his feet as dead - The appearance of the glory of the Lord had then same effect upon Ezekiel, Eze 1:28 : and the appearance of Gabriel had the same effect on Daniel, Dan 8:17. The terrible splendor of such majesty was more than the apostle could bear, and he fell down deprived of his senses, but was soon enabled to behold the vision by a communication of strength from our Lord's right hand.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
So fallen is man that God's manifestation of His glorious presence overwhelms him. laid his right hand upon me--So the same Lord Jesus did at the Transfiguration to the three prostrate disciples, of whom John was one, saying, Be not afraid. The "touch" of His hand, as of old, imparted strength. unto me--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. the first . . . the last-- (Isa 41:4; Isa 44:6; Isa 48:12). From eternity, and enduring to eternity: "the First by creation, the Last by retribution: the First, because before Me there was no God formed; the Last, because after Me there shall be no other: the First, because from Me are all things; the Last, because to Me all things return" [RICHARD OF ST. VICTOR].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when I saw him,.... The glorious person here described, who was just behind him, and of whom he had a full view, being so near him: I fell at his feet as dead; through consternation and fear, the sight was so amazing and terrible; the appearance of a divine person in any degree of majesty and glory, has had some considerable effect upon men, even upon the best of men; but John seems to be more affected with it than any, as the vision was the more grand and illustrious: Manoah was afraid he should die, but did not fall down as dead; Ezekiel fell upon his face, but had his senses; Daniel's comeliness turned into corruption, and he retained no strength, he fainted, and fell into a deep sleep; see Jdg 13:22; but John fell down at once, as dead. This panic which good men were seized with, at any more than ordinary appearance of God, or apprehension of his presence, arose from a notion that present death ensues a sight of him; hence Jacob wonders, and is thankful, that he had seen God face to face, and yet his life was preserved, Gen 32:30; and such an effect as here, upon the body, any uncommon discovery of the divine Being has, partly through the weakness of human nature, which in its present circumstances is not able to bear the rays and glories of a divine person; hence the resurrection of the body in power, glory, and immortality, incorruption and spirituality, is necessary to the enjoyment of God and Christ in a state of bliss and happiness to all eternity; and partly through a consciousness of sin, which ever since the fall of Adam has occasioned fear and perturbation of mind, even in the best of saints, when they have had any sense of the divine Majesty being near, in an unusual form of glory: and he laid his right hand upon me; even the same in which he had, and held the seven stars; and which showed what an affection he had for him, in what esteem he had him, what care he took of him, and what power he would exert in lifting up, strengthening, and supporting him; for he laid not his hand on him in wrath and angers, but in love; and in order to raise him up and revive his spirits, and remove his fears; hence the Ethiopic version renders it, "and he took hold on me with his right hand, and lifted me up"; as he does all who in a spiritual sense fall at his feet; it is always safe and comfortable falling there: saying unto me, fear not; language which John had heard from him in the days of his flesh, and might therefore be chose now on purpose that he might the sooner know who he was and be comforted; see Mat 14:27. I am the first and the last; a way of speaking used by God when he is about to comfort his people, and remove their fears; see Isa 41:4; and is used by Christ for the same purpose here; and so is a proof of his true and proper deity, and is expressive of his eternity, and also of his dignity and excellency: he is the first and last in divine predestination, in the covenant of grace, in creation, in the business of salvation, and in his church, by whom, and for whom, are all things in it; he is the head of the body, the Son over his own house, and the firstborn among many brethren; and so the Alexandrian copy read, here, "the firstborn and the last". "the first", is a name of the Messiah with the Jews (t); See Gill on Rev 1:8. (t) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 5. 1. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 63. fol. 55. 2. Vajikra Rabba, sect. 30. fol. 171. 2. & Tzeror Hammor, fol. 71. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:17 When I saw him, I fell . . . dead: Terror and a dead faint, if not death itself (see Exod 33:20), frequently result when someone sees God (see Isa 6:1-5; Matt 28:4). The Lord graciously responds by the touch of his right hand (cp. Matt 25:34) and the words “Don’t be afraid!” (cp. Luke 1:13), indicating both grace and acceptance. • I am: The phrase identifies Jesus as God (see study note on Rev 1:8).