45
Mattathias and his friends went around tearing down the altars to other gods.
46
They forcibly circumcised boys whom they found uncircumcised within the borders of Israel.
47
They hunted down arrogant people, and their missions were successful.
48
They rescued the Law from the power of the Gentiles and kings, and they never let the sinner regain power.
49
Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he spoke to his sons: “Arrogance and contempt are present everywhere. It is a time of ruin and raging anger.