Image Details

The Pierpont Morgan Library/Art Resource, NY

The evangelist John falls at the feet of the resurrected Jesus, in the upper panel of this illumination from a tenth-century edition of Beatus of Liebana’s commentary on the Apocalypse. John, traditionally considered the author of Revelation, envisions “one like a Son of Man” standing amidst seven lampstands (representing the seven Asian churches, listed in the lower panel) and seven stars (representing angels), and wearing a long garment with a golden sash. When John falls at the feet of this august figure, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid…I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of death and of Hades” (Revelation 1:13–17). Although written 70 years or so after Jesus’ death, this passage from Revelation suggests that it was not uncommon to associate the Son of Man with Jesus’ resurrection. Indeed, more than a century before Jesus’ birth Daniel envisioned “one like a son of man” chosen by God to establish an eternal kingdom. Jesus, too, was probably identified with this Son of Man as a result of the resurrection.