48 because they defended their laws against the Gentiles and Antiochus. No evil person stood a chance.
49 Right before Mattathias died, he said to his sons:The Gentiles are proud and violent, and we're going to have a horrible time.
50 But you, my sons, should be faithful to God's Law and be willing to die for the agreement that our ancestors made with God.
51 Keep in mind their brave deeds, and you will be famous forever.
52 Abraham was faithful when God tested him, and so God accepted him.
53 Joseph obeyed God in a time of trouble, and he became ruler of Egypt.
54 Because our ancestor Phinehas obeyed everything in God's Law, the men of our family have become priests forever.