15
At that time, the king's officers were enforcing the decrees to give up Jewish practice. They came to the town of Modein to make its people offer pagan sacrifice.
16
Many from Israel came out to them, including Mattathias and his sons.
17
Then the king's officers spoke to Mattathias: "You're a leader, honored and important in this town, and supported by sons and brothers.
18
Be the first to come and do what the king has commanded, as have all the Gentiles, the people of Judah, and those who are left in Jerusalem. Then you and your sons will be counted among the king's closest political advisors; you and your sons will be honored with silver, gold, and many gifts."
19
But Mattathias answered loudly, "Even if all the nations that live under the king's rule obey him and have chosen to follow his orders, departing from their ancestral religion,