4 Maccabees 5:13

13 For consider this: if there is some power watching over this religion of yours, it will excuse you from any transgression that arises out of compulsion."

4 Maccabees 5:13 In-Context

11 Will you not awaken from your foolish philosophy, dispel your futile reasonings, adopt a mind appropriate to your years, philosophize according to the truth of what is beneficial,
12 and have compassion on your old age by honoring my humane advice?
13 For consider this: if there is some power watching over this religion of yours, it will excuse you from any transgression that arises out of compulsion."
14 When the tyrant urged him in this fashion to eat meat unlawfully, Eleazar asked to have a word.
15 When he had received permission to speak, he began to address the people as follows:
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.