19 If you continue to be loyal to the government, I will do everything I can in the future to benefit your nation.
20 I have instructed your representatives and mine to meet with you to discuss the details of these matters.
21 May all go well with you. Dated the 24th day of the month of Dioscorinthius in the year 148.”
22 This is a copy of the king's letter:“King Antiochus to the honourable Lysias, greetings.
23 Now that my father has gone to be with the gods, I want the subjects of my kingdom to conduct their own affairs without interference.
24 I understand that the Jews do not wish to adopt the Greek way of life, as my father had intended, but prefer their own way of life and have requested that they be allowed to live according to their own customs.
25 Since I desire that they live undisturbed like the other nations in my empire, I hereby decree that their Temple be restored to them and that they be allowed to live according to the customs of their ancestors.