1 Maccabees 12:6-8

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁶ “The high priest Jonathan, the council of the nation, the priests, and the rest of the Jewish people to their brothers the Spartans, greetings.^{(A) 7} Already in time past a letter was sent to the high priest Onias from Arius, who was king among you, stating that you are our brothers, as the appended copy shows.^{(B) 8} Onias welcomed the envoy with honor and received the letter, which contained a clear declaration of alliance and friendship.^(C)