26. You would do well, then, to send a message to them and assure them of friendship, so that they might know our policy and be at ease and live cheerfully, achieving their own goals.
27. This is what the king’s letter to the nation said:King Antiochus to the Jewish council of elders and to all other Jews. Greetings!
28. If you are well, it is what we wish. We are also in good health.
29. Menelaus has informed us that you want to return home to take care of your own affairs.
30. Those who return by the thirtieth of Xanthicus will have our pledge of friendship with no need for fear.
31. We will allow the Jews to follow their own dietary laws and other laws just as they used to do, and not let anyone bother them concerning any crime committed in ignorance.
32. I have also sent Menelaus to comfort you.
33. Be well!Year 148, the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
34. Also the Romans sent a letter to the Jews that said:Quintus Memmius, Titus Manius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Jews. Greetings!
35. Lysias the king’s relative has handed rights over to you, and we agree.
36. But give consideration immediately to whatever he decided to bring to the attention of the king; you should consider and then send someone immediately concerning your views, so that we might make suggestions to you, as is appropriate. We are approaching Antioch,
37. so hurry and send someone so that we might also know of your opinion.
38. Be in good health!Year 148, the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.