16 The letter written to the Yehudim (Jews) from Lusias was to this effect:

“Lusias to the people[fn] of the Yehudim, greetings. 17 Yohan (John) and Avshalom (Absalom), who were sent from you, having delivered the document written below, made request concerning the things written therein. 18 Whatever things therefore needed to be brought before the king I declared to him, and what things were possible he allowed. 19 If then you will all preserve your good will towards the government, I will also endeavour in the future to contribute to your good. 20 Concerning this, I have given order in detail, both to these men and to those who are sent from me, to confer with you. 21 Farewell. Written in the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the twenty-fourth day of the month Dioskorinthios.”[fn]

22 And the king’s letter contained these words:

“King Antiokos (Antiochus) to his brother Lusias, greetings. 23 Seeing that our father passed to the gods having the wish that the subjects of his kingdom should[fn] be undisturbed and give themselves to the care of their own affairs, 24 we, having heard that the Yehudim (Jews) do not consent to our father’s purpose to turn them to the customs of the Hellains (Greeks), but choose rather their own way of living, and make request that the customs of their law be allowed to them—25 choosing therefore that this nation also should be free from disturbance, we determine that their temple is to be restored to them, and that they live according to the customs that were in the days of their ancestors. 26 You will therefore do well to send messengers to them and give them the right hand of friendship, that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart, and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.”

27 And to the nation, the king’s letter was as follows:

“King Antiokos to the senate of the Yehudim and to the other Yehudim, greetings. 28 If you are all well, it is as we desire. We ourselves also are in good health. 29 Menelaos informed us that your desire was to return home and follow your own business. 30 They therefore who depart home up to the thirtieth day of Xanthikos shall have our friendship,[fn] with full permission 31 that the Yehudim use their own foods and observe their own laws, even as formerly. None of them shall be in any way molested for the things that have been done in ignorance. 32 Moreover I have sent Menelaos also, that he may encourage you. 33 Farewell. Written in the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth day of Xanthikos.”

34 The Romaios also sent to them a letter in these words:

“Kointos Memios and Titos Manios, ambassadors of the Romaios, to the people of the Yehudim, greetings. 35 In regard to the things which Lusias the king’s kinsman granted you, we also give consent. 36 But as for the things which he judged should be referred to the king, send someone promptly, after you have considered them, that we may publish such decrees as are appropriate for your case; for we are on our way to Antiokeia. 37 Therefore send someone with speed, that we also may learn what is your mind. 38 Farewell.[fn] Written in the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth day of Xanthikos.