18. Even so, Nicanor, hearing of the virtue of the companions of Judas, and the great courage with which they struggled on behalf of their country, was afraid to accomplish judgment by the sword.
19. For this reason, he sent ahead Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Matthias, so as to give and receive the pledge of right hands.
20. And when a council was held all day about this, and the commander had brought it before the multitude, they were all of one opinion to consent to an alliance.
21. And so, they appointed a day, on which they would act among themselves secretly, and seats were brought out and placed for each of them.
22. But Judas instructed armed men to be in strategic places, lest some kind of malice might unexpectedly spring up from the enemies. And they had an agreeable conference.
23. Then Nicanor stayed in Jerusalem, and he did no iniquity; he sent away the flocks of the crowds, which had been gathered together.
24. And Judas always held him dear to the heart, and was favorably inclined toward the man.