13
Some of them eagerly went to King Antiochus, who gave them permission to start living by the laws of the Gentiles.
14
Consequently, they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, following Gentile custom.
15
They even took steps to remove the marks of circumcision, utterly abandoning the holy covenant. They joined with Gentiles and gave themselves over to an evil course.
16
When Antiochus felt that his own kingdom was fully established, he determined also to take control of the land of Egypt so that he could rule over both kingdoms.