4
And the Romans gave them letters to the people in every place, asking them to provide for the envoys safe conduct to the land of Judah.
5
This is a copy of the letter which Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:
6
"Jonathan the high priest, the senate of the nation, the priests, and the rest of the Jewish people to their brethren the Spartans, greeting.
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.
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.