2 Maccabees 4:4

4 Onias recognized that the rivalry was serious and that Apollonius, the son of Menestheus and governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, was intensifying the malice of Simon.

2 Maccabees 4:4 In-Context

2 He dared to designate as a plotter against the government the man who was the benefactor of the city, the protector of his fellow countrymen, and a zealot for the laws.

3 When his hatred progressed to such a degree that even murders were committed by one of Simon's approved agents,

4 Onias recognized that the rivalry was serious and that Apollonius, the son of Menestheus and governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, was intensifying the malice of Simon.

5 So he betook himself to the king, not accusing his fellow citizens but having in view the welfare, both public and private, of all the people.

6 For he saw that without the king's attention public affairs could not again reach a peaceful settlement, and that Simon would not stop his folly.