11. Others gathered secretly into caverns nearby to keep the seventh day, but they were betrayed to Philip. They were all burned together because they were reluctant to defend themselves, out of respect for the most sacred day.
12. So I urge those stumbling upon this scroll not to shrink back because of these misfortunes but to understand that these punishments weren’t for the destruction of our people but for their discipline.
13. It is a sign of great kindness that those Jews who acted immorally weren’t left alone for very long but experienced punishments immediately.
14. With other nations the Lord patiently delays punishment until they fill up the full measure of their sins, but with us he decided to deal differently, and is exacting retribution on us before
15. our sins reach their peak.
16. Therefore, he never withdraws his mercy from us. Although disciplining us with misfortunes, God doesn’t forsake his own people.
17. Only let this be said to us as a reminder. After this brief digression, it is necessary to go on with the narrative.