15
Then the king's officials, who were forcing the people to turn from God, came to the town of Modein to force the people there to offer pagan sacrifices.
16
Many of the Israelites came to meet them, including Mattathias and his sons.
17
The king's officials said to Mattathias, "You are a respected leader in this town, and you have the support of your sons and relatives.
18
Why not be the first one here to do what the king has commanded? All the Gentiles, the people of Judea, and all the people left in Jerusalem have already done so. If you do, you and your sons will be honored with the title of "Friends of the King,' and you will be rewarded with silver and gold and many gifts."
19
Mattathias answered in a loud voice, "I don't care if every Gentile in this empire has obeyed the king and yielded to the command to abandon the religion of his ancestors.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.