10. We prefer to send to you, so as to renew the brotherhood and friendship, lest we should, in effect, become a stranger to you, for much time has passed since you sent to us.
11. Therefore, we will remember you, at all times without ceasing, in our solemnities and other days, when it is fitting, in the sacrifices that we offer, and in our observances, just as it is fitting and right to remember brothers.
12. And so, we rejoice at your glory.
13. But many tribulations and many wars have surrounded us, and the kings who are around us have fought against us.
14. But we are not willing to trouble you, nor the rest of our allies and friends, about these battles.
15. For we have assistance from heaven, and we have been delivered, and our enemies have been humbled.
16. And so, we have chosen Numenius, the son of Antiochus, and Antipater, the son of Jason, and we have sent them to the Romans, to renew the former peace treaty and alliance with them.
17. And so, we have commanded them to also come to you, and to greet you, and to deliver our letters to you, about the renewal of our brotherhood.
18. And now, you would do well to respond to us about these things."
19. And this is a copy of the letters that he sent to Onias:
20. "Arius, king of the Spartans, to Onias, the great priest: greetings.
21. It is found in scripture, about the Spartans and the Jews, that they are brothers, and that they are of the family of Abraham.
22. And since we know these things, you would do well to write to us about your peace.