16
Here is a copy of the letter which Lysias wrote to the Jews: "Lysias to the Jewish people, greetings.
17
Your representatives John and Absalom have delivered to me the official document you sent with them, and they have asked me to agree to what is contained in it.
18
I have informed the king of the matters that needed to be brought to his attention, and he has agreed to do whatever is possible.
19
If you continue to be loyal to the government, I will do everything I can in the future to benefit your nation.
20
I have instructed your representatives and mine to meet with you to discuss the details of these matters.
21
May all go well with you. Dated the twenty-fourth day of the month of Dioscorinthius in the year 148."
22
Here is a copy of the King's letter: "King Antiochus to the honorable Lysias, greetings.
23
Now that my father has gone to be with the gods, I want the subjects of my kingdom to conduct their own affairs without interference.
24
I understand that the Jews do not wish to adopt the Greek way of life, as my father had intended, but prefer their own way of life and have requested that they be allowed to live according to their own customs.
25
Since I desire that they live undisturbed like the other nations in my empire, I hereby decree that their Temple be restored to them and that they be allowed to live according to the customs of their ancestors.
26
Please inform them of this decision and assure them of my friendship, so that they may conduct their own affairs in peace, without anything to worry about."