Revelation 1:17 - Exposition

I fell at his feet as dead ; literally, as one dead—as a dead man. St. Peter had fallen at Jesus' feet when he became conscious of the ineffable difference between sinlessness and sinfulness ( Luke 5:8 ). How much more, therefore, would consciousness of the glorified Christ overwhelm St. John! Long years of contemplation of the incarnate Son would not prevent that. In like manner, Joshua ( Joshua 5:14 ), Daniel ( Daniel 7:17 , Daniel 7:27 ), and St. Paul ( Acts 9:4 ) are affected by the Divine presence. Fear not . Thus Christ encouraged the terrified apostles on the lake ( John 6:20 ) and at the Transfiguration. So also the angel cheered Daniel ( Daniel 10:12 ), Zacharias ( Luke 1:13 ), Mary ( Luke 1:30 ), the shepherds ( Luke 2:10 ), and the women at the sepulchre ( Matthew 28:5 ).