2 Maccabees 4:4-6

Common English Bible

⁴ Seeing the danger of the dispute—including how Menestheus’ son Apollonius, the governor of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, encouraged Simon’s evil— ⁵ Onias went to the king not to accuse his fellow citizens but to safeguard the public and private welfare of the people. ⁶ He recognized that without royal attention public affairs would not return to a peaceful state, and Simon would not cease from his madness.