6 Jonathan the high priest, the other priests, the Jewish council, and the rest of our people send greetings to our dear friends in Sparta.
7 Some time ago, your king, Arius, sent a letter to Onias, our high priest. Arius said that Jews and Spartans are related, as you can see from the copy of the king's letter we have sent along with this letter.
8 When Onias read this, he welcomed your messenger with honors, because your letter clearly stated that Jews and Spartans should become friends and allies.
9 We Jews don't really need friends and allies, since our Scriptures give us hope and strength.
10 But we decided to write you anyway to renew our friendship and to make sure that we are still on good terms. After all, it has been a long time since you wrote us, and we don't want to become like strangers to each other.
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.