45 Mattathias and his friends went everywhere tearing down pagan altars
46 and circumcising by force every uncircumcised boy they found within the borders of Israel.
47 They were also successful in hunting down the arrogant Gentile officials.
48 They rescued the Law of Moses from the Gentiles and their kings and broke the power of the wicked King Antiochus.
49 When the time came for Mattathias to die, he said to his people, “These are times of violence and distress. Arrogant men are in control and have made us an object of ridicule.
50 But you, my sons, must be devoted to the Law and ready to die to defend God's covenant with our ancestors.
51 Remember what our ancestors did and how much they accomplished in their day. Follow their example, and you will be rewarded with great glory and undying fame.