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.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.