16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword. His face was like the sun when it shines with full force.

17 When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. But he placed his right hand on me and said,"Stop being afraid! I am the first and the last,

18 the living one. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever! I have the keys of Death and Hades.