4 Maccabees 5:13-15

Common English Bible

¹³ Think about this: if there is some power watching over you and your religion, it will excuse you for any action against the Law if you are compelled to do it.”

Eleazar’s defense

¹⁴ When the tyrant had finished pressuring Eleazar to eat forbidden food, Eleazar asked to say something. ¹⁵ Antiochus gave him permission, and Eleazar began to give the following speech: