And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
So fallen is man, that God's manifestation of His presence overwhelms him.
Laid his right hand upon me - so Jesus at the transfiguration to the three prostrate disciples, of whom John was one, saying, "Be not afraid." The 'touch' of His hand imparted strength (Daniel 8:18; Daniel 10:10; Matthew 8:3; Matthew 8:15; Matthew 9:29).
Unto me. Omitted in 'Aleph (') A C h, Vulgate.
The first and the last - (Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 48:12.) From eternity, and to eternity: 'First by creation, the Last by retribution: First, because before me there was no God; Last, because after me there shall be no other: First, because from me are all things; Last, because to me all things return' (Richard of Victor).