4. The Romans provided letters for them to give to various people to ask them to assure the envoys safe passage back to Judah.
5. This is a copy of the letter that Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:
6. The high priest Jonathan, the senate of the nation, the priests, and the rest of the Jewish people. To their brothers the Spartans. Greetings!
7. In the past, your king Arius sent a letter to the high priest Onias, stating that you are our relatives as the appended copy shows.
8. Onias welcomed the envoy with honor and received the letter, which contained a clear declaration of alliance and friendship.