5. And this is a copy of the letters that Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:
6. "Jonathan, the high priest, and the elders of the people, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, to the Spartans, their brothers: greetings.
7. Now, some time ago, letters were sent to Onias, the high priest from Arius, who reigned then among you, so that you would be our brothers, just as the copy that is written below states.
8. And Onias received the man whom you had sent with honor. And he received the letters, in which was conveyed the alliance and peace treaty.
9. We, though, have no need of these things, having for our solace the sacred books, which are in our hands.