3 Maccabees 3:1-10

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. ⁶ Nevertheless, foreigners paid no heed to the good conduct of the people, which was common talk among all; ⁷ instead, they gossiped about the differences in worship and foods, alleging that these people were loyal neither to the king nor to his authorities but were hostile and greatly opposed to his government. So it was no ordinary reproach that they attached to them.

⁸ The Greeks in the city, though wronged in no way, when they saw an unexpected tumult around these people and the crowds that suddenly were forming, were not strong enough to help them, for they lived under tyranny. They did try to console them, being grieved at the situation, and expected that matters would change,^{(D) 9} for such a great community ought not be left to its fate when it had committed no offense. ¹⁰ And already some of their neighbors and friends and business associates had taken some of them aside privately and were pledging to protect them and to do everything in their power to help.