24
Such deception is not worthy of a man of my years. Many young people would think that I had denied my faith after I was ninety years old.
25
If I pretended to eat this meat, just to live a little while longer, it would bring shame and disgrace on me and lead many young people astray.
26
For the present I might be able to escape what you could do to me, but whether I live or die, I cannot escape Almighty God.
27
If I die bravely now, it will show that I deserved my long life.
28
It will also set a good example of the way young people should be willing and glad to die for our sacred and respected laws." As soon as he said these things, he went off to be tortured,
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.