3 Maccabees 2:30-32

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

³⁰ In order that he might not appear to be an enemy of all, he inscribed below: ‘But if any of them prefer to join those who have been initiated into the mysteries, they shall have equal citizenship with the Alexandrians.’

³¹ Now some, however, with an obvious abhorrence of the price to be exacted for maintaining the religion of their city,^[a] readily gave themselves up, since they expected to enhance their reputation by their future association with the king. ³² But the majority acted firmly with a courageous spirit and did not abandon their religion; and by paying money in exchange for life they confidently attempted to save themselves from the registration.