¹⁷ And ^(A)when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But ^(B)He laid His right hand on me, saying ^[a]to me, “Do not be afraid; ^(C)I am the First and the Last. ^18 (D)I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, ^(E)I am alive forevermore. Amen. And ^(F)I have the keys of ^[b]Hades and of Death.

²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we ^[a]may ^(A)serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. ²⁹ For ^(B)our God is a consuming fire.

²¹ And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, ^(A)“I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”)

Light Bearers

¹² Therefore, my beloved, ^(A)as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, ^(B)work out your own salvation with ^(C)fear and trembling;

⁸ Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my ^[a]vigor was turned to ^[b]frailty in me, and I retained no strength. ⁹ Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

Prophecies Concerning Persia and Greece

^10 (A)Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. ¹¹ And he said to me, “O Daniel, ^(B)man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.