7
Already in time past a letter was sent to Onias the high priest from Arius, who was king among you, stating that you are our brethren, as the appended copy shows.
8
Onias welcomed the envoy with honor, and received the letter, which contained a clear declaration of alliance and friendship.
9
Therefore, though we have no need of these things, since we have as encouragement the holy books which are in our hands,
10
we have undertaken to send to renew our brotherhood and friendship with you, so that we may not become estranged from you, for considerable time has passed since you sent your letter to us.
11
We therefore remember you constantly on every occasion, both in our feasts and on other appropriate days, at the sacrifices which we offer and in our prayers, as it is right and proper to remember brethren.
12
And we rejoice in your glory.
13
But as for ourselves, many afflictions and many wars have encircled us; the kings round about us have waged war against us.
14
We were unwilling to annoy you and our other allies and friends with these wars,
15
for we have the help which comes from Heaven for our aid; and we were delivered from our enemies and our enemies were humbled.
16
We therefore have chosen Numenius the son of Antiochus and Antipater the son of Jason, and have sent them to Rome to renew our former friendship and alliance with them.
17
We have commanded them to go also to you and greet you and deliver to you this letter from us concerning the renewal of our brotherhood.