A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 1:17

"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last," — Revelation 1:17 (ASV)

I fell (επεσα). Late form for the old επεσον (second aorist active indicative of πιπτω, to fall). Under the over-powering influence of the vision as in 19:10.

He laid (εθηκεν). First aorist active indicative of τιθημ. The act restored John's confidence.

Fear not (μη φοβου). Cf. Luke 1:13 to Zacharias to give comfort.

I am the first and the last (εγω ειμ ο πρωτος κα ο εσχατος). Used in Isa 44:6; 48:12 of God, but here, 2:8; 22:13 of Christ.

And the Living One (κα ο ζων). Present active articular participle of ζαω, another epithet of God common in the O.T. (Deuteronomy 32:40; Isaiah 49:18, etc.) and applied purposely to Jesus, with which see Joh 5:26 for Christ's own words about it.