18
For it would be irrational if having lived in accordance with truth up to old age and having maintained in accordance with law the reputation of such a life, we should now change our course
19
and ourselves become a pattern of impiety to the young by setting them an example in the eating of defiling food.
20
It would be shameful if we should survive for a little while and during that time be a laughingstock to all for our cowardice,
21
and be despised by the tyrant as unmanly by not contending even to death for our divine law.
22
Therefore, O children of Abraham, die nobly for your religion!
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.