16 In his right hand he held seven stars, out of his mouth went a sharp double-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

17 When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand upon me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last,

18 the Living One. I was dead, but look! — I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Sh’ol.