8. And Onias entreated honorably the man that was sent, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of confederacy and friendship.
9. Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, having for our encouragement the holy books which are in our hands,
10. have assayed to send that we might renew our brotherhood and friendship with you, to the end that we should not become estranged from you altogether: for long time is passed since you⌃ sent to us.
11. We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and on the other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as it is right and meet to be mindful of brethren:
12. and moreover are glad for your glory.
13. But as for ourselves, many afflictions and many wars have encompassed us, and the kings that are round about us have fought against us.
14. We were not minded therefore to be troublesome to you, and to the rest of our confederates and friends, in these wars;
15. for we have the help which is from heaven to help us, and we have been delivered from our enemies, and our enemies have been brought low.
16. We chose therefore Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of Jason, and have sent them to the Romans, to renew the friendship that we had with them, and the former confederacy.
17. We commanded them therefore to go also to you, and to salute you, and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of friendship and our brotherhood.
18. And now you⌃ shall do well if you⌃ give us an answer thereto.
19. And this is the copy of the letters which they sent to Onias:
20. Arius king of the Spartans to Onias the chief priest, greeting:
21. It has been found in writing, concerning the Spartans and the Jews, that they are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham: