So overcome was John by the majesty of this figure that he “fell at his feet as though dead.” This reaction is consistent with the response of others in Scripture to whom the Lord revealed his identity (see Judges 13:22; Ezekiel 1:28; Acts 9:4). In the face of such majesty no mere mortal can stand (see Exodus 33:20; Isaiah 6:5; Daniel 8:18; Daniel 10:9). John begins to realize that his visitor is divine.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,