16. For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias, to this effect: Lysias to the people of the Jews, greeting.
17. John and Abesalom who were sent from you, delivering your writings, requested that I would accomplish those things which were signified by them.
18. Therefore whatsoever things could be reported to the king I have represented to him: and he hath granted as much as the matter permitted.
19. If therefore you will keep yourselves loyal in affairs, hereafter also I will endeavour to be a means of your good.
20. But as concerning other particulars, I have given orders by word both to these, and to them that are sent by me, to commune with you.
21. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the four and twentieth day of the month of Dioscorus.
22. But the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus to Lysias his brother, greeting.
23. Our father being translated amongst the gods, we are desirous that they that are in our realm should live quietly, and apply themselves diligently to their own concerns,
24. And we have heard that the Jews would not consent to my father to turn to the rites of the Greeks, but that they would keep to their own manner of living, and therefore that they request us to allow them to live after their own laws.