20. the campaigns against Antiochus Epiphanes and his son Eupator,
21. and of the heavenly manifestations accorded to the heroes who fought bravely for the Jewish people. Few as they were, they plundered the whole land, put to flight the barbarian hordes,
22. regained possession of the temple renowned throughout the world, and liberated the city. They re-established the laws that were in danger of being abolished, while the Lord favored them with every kindness.
23. All this, detailed by Jason of Cyrene in five volumes, we will try to condense into a single book.
24. For in view of the flood of data, and the difficulties encountered, given such abundant material, by those who wish to plunge into accounts of the history,
25. we have aimed to please those who prefer simply to read, to make it easy for the studious who wish to commit things to memory, and to be helpful to all.
26. For us who have undertaken the labor of making this digest, the task, far from being easy, is one of sweat and of sleepless nights.
27. Just so, the preparation of a festive banquet is no light matter for one who seeks to give enjoyment to others. Similarly, to win the gratitude of many we will gladly endure this labor,