3 Maccabees 3:1-5

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The Jews and Their Neighbors

3 When the impious king comprehended this situation, he became so infuriated that not only was he enraged against those Jews who lived in Alexandria but was still more bitterly hostile toward those in the countryside, and he ordered that all should promptly be gathered into one place and put to death by the most cruel means.^{(A) 2} While these matters were being arranged, a hostile rumor was circulated against the people by some who conspired to do them ill, a pretext being given by a report that they hindered others^[a] from the observance of their customs.^{(B) 3} The Jews, however, continued to maintain goodwill and unswerving loyalty toward the dynasty, ⁴ but because they worshiped God and conducted themselves by his law, they kept their separateness with respect to foods. For this reason they appeared hateful to some,^{(C) 5} but since they adorned their style of life with the good deeds of upright people, they were established in good repute with everyone.