11
and stated with dignity, "I have received these limbs from heaven, and I give them up for the sake of God's laws. But I hope to recover them from God again."
12
The king and those with him marveled at the young man's spirit, since he considered his agonies nothing.
13
After this one had died, the tormenters tortured the fourth brother as well.
14
When the end was approaching, he said, "Death at the hands of humans is preferable, since we look forward to the hope that God gives of being raised by him. But for you there will be no resurrection to life."
15
Immediately afterward, they led the fifth brother forward and began to torture him.
16
While looking at the king he said, "You, though human, have power among human beings and do what you want. But don't think that God has abandoned our people.
17
Just wait and observe his great strength, when God will torture you and your children."
18
After him they brought forward the sixth brother. As he was about to die, he said, "Don't deceive yourself in vain. We suffer these things because of our own sins against our God. Things worthy of wonder have happened.
19
But don't think you will escape unpunished after trying to fight against God."
20
The mother was particularly amazing and worthy of an honorable memory. She watched her seven sons die in the course of a single day but accepted it with a stout heart because of her hope in the Lord.
21
She encouraged each of them in their native language. Filled with noble thoughts, she fired up her womanly reasoning with manly courage, saying to them,