The letter begins with a focus upon judgment (12). The sword of Rome was the symbol of Roman power and authority. Jesus was reminding the Christians in Pergamum that He possesses all authority not Rome, the Emperor, or the proconsul, Matthew 28:18. Jesus knows the challenges that each of His disciples face (13). It is not certain what “Satan’s throne” was. It could possibly refer to the temple of Zeus. It may be the general fact that the city was given over to pagan worship. Satan is not omnipresent. It may also be a reference to the temple of Asklepios, the god of healing. Those seeking healing were placed in a room with harmless snakes covering the floor. They slept there in the dark as the snakes slithered over them giving healing powers. This pagan custom came from the old serpent himself, Satan. Note that Satan’s throne is not in hell, 1 Peter 5:8-9. Daren Ritchey