4. The Romans gave them letters addressed to authorities in various places, with the request to provide them with safe conduct to the land of Judah.
5. This is a copy of the letter that Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:
6. “Jonathan the high priest, the senate of the nation, the priests, and the rest of the Jewish people send greetings to their brothers the Spartans.
7. Long ago a letter was sent to the high priest Onias from Arius, who then reigned over you, stating that you are our brothers, as the attached copy shows.
8. Onias welcomed the envoy with honor and received the letter, which spoke clearly of alliance and friendship.