23
Therefore, when sympathy and brotherly affection had been so established, the brothers were the more sympathetic to one another.
24
Since they had been educated by the same law and trained in the same virtues and brought up in right living, they loved one another all the more.
25
A common zeal for nobility expanded their goodwill and harmony toward one another,
26
because, with the aid of their religion, they rendered their brotherly love more fervent.
27
But although nature and companionship and virtuous habits had augmented the affection of brotherhood, those who were left endured for the sake of religion, while watching their brothers being maltreated and tortured to death.
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.