11 It is our custom and duty to remember relatives. So during our festivals and other special days, we always think of you as we pray and offer sacrifices.
12 We are very pleased that you have become so famous.
13 We have had plenty of troubles and wars of our own. Even the nearby kings have attacked us.
14 However, there was no reason to bother you or other friends and allies with our problems.
15 God always helps us, and we defeated our enemies and were rescued from them.
16 We have sent Numenius and Antipater as messengers to Rome to make sure that we and the Romans remain on good terms.
17 They also have orders to bring this letter to you with our greetings, because we want to be certain that you still consider us your relatives.