16
They trust one man each year to rule over them and to control all their land; they all heed the one man, and there is no envy or jealousy among them.
17
So Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome to establish friendship and alliance,
18
and to free themselves from the yoke; for they saw that the kingdom of the Greeks was completely enslaving Israel.
19
They went to Rome, a very long journey; and they entered the senate chamber and spoke as follows:
20
"Judas, who is also called Maccabeus, and his brothers and the people of the Jews have sent us to you to establish alliance and peace with you, that we may be enrolled as your allies and friends."
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.