¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last^(A)

¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

¹⁷ So he came near where I stood, and when he came, I became frightened and fell prostrate. But he said to me, “Understand, O mortal,^[a] that the vision is for the time of the end.”^(A)

¹⁸ As he was speaking to me, I fell into a trance, face to the ground; then he touched me and set me on my feet.^(B)

The Message to Smyrna

⁸ “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who was dead and came to life:^(A)

⁸ So I was left alone to see this great vision. My strength left me, and my complexion grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength.^{(A) 9} When^[a] I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a trance, face to the ground.^(B)

¹⁰ But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees.^(C)

⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.^(A)

¹⁷ How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For I am exhausted;^[a] no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”

¹⁸ Again one in human form touched me and strengthened me. ¹⁹ He said, “Do not fear, greatly beloved; you are safe. Be strong and courageous!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”^(A)