4 Maccabees 8:5

5 "Young men, I feel nothing but admiration and favor for each and every one of you, and I have great respect for the size and beauty of your family. Not only would I counsel you not to express the same insanity as that old man who was just tortured, but I would encourage you to obey me now and so enjoy the privileged life I can offer you.

4 Maccabees 8:5 In-Context

3 After the tyrant had given these instructions, seven brothers together with their mother were brought before him. These young men were handsome, modest, well-born, and charming in every way.

4 The tyrant looked at them as they stood grouped around their mother like a chorus, and was pleased with them. He was struck by their physical appearance and obvious dignified character, and so he smiled at them and invited them to come closer. He said,

5 "Young men, I feel nothing but admiration and favor for each and every one of you, and I have great respect for the size and beauty of your family. Not only would I counsel you not to express the same insanity as that old man who was just tortured, but I would encourage you to obey me now and so enjoy the privileged life I can offer you.

6 I can be generous to those who obey me in the same way as I can punish those who disobey me.

7 Trust me! Abandon your traditional way of life, and I will give you positions in my government.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or friendship