17. Then the king’s officers spoke to Mattathias: "You’re a leader, honored and important in this town, and supported by sons and brothers.
18. Be the first to come and do what the king has commanded, as have all the Gentiles, the people of Judah, and those who are left in Jerusalem. Then you and your sons will be counted among the king’s closest political advisors; you and your sons will be honored with silver, gold, and many gifts."
19. But Mattathias answered loudly, "Even if all the nations that live under the king’s rule obey him and have chosen to follow his orders, departing from their ancestral religion,
20. My sons and brothers and I will continue to live according to our ancestors’ covenant.
21. We will never abandon the Law and its commands!
22. We won’t obey the king’s orders by turning aside from our religion to either the right or the left."
23. When he finished speaking, a Jew came forward in plain sight to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein, in keeping with the king’s command.
24. When Mattathias saw this action, he burned with zeal, and his spirit was stirred up. He gave way to his righteous anger, and he ran over and killed the man on the altar.