The third brother’s torture and response
1 When the second brother had also endured a heroic death, the third brother was brought forward. Many people urged him again and again to taste the pork in order to save himself.
2
He shouted out in response: "Don't you know that I come from the same father as those who have just died, that the same mother gave birth to me, and that I was raised with the same teaching?
3
I won't deny these dignified family ties!"
5
The guards were furious at his bold speech. They used their instruments to pull his hands and feet out of joint, and dislocated his arms and legs.
6
Then they broke his fingers, arms, legs, and elbows.
7
In spite of this, they weren't strong enough to break his will, so they put away their tools and tore off his scalp the way the Scythians do it—they used their fingernails.
8
Then they dragged him to the wheel. As they were pulling his spine apart, he saw his own flesh falling off his bones and his blood pouring out.
9
When he was on the edge of death, he said,
10
"You bloodstained tyrant, we are suffering these things because of our godly training and moral character.
11
But you will endure endless torture because of your lack of respect for God and your cruel thirst for blood!"