19 He sent other men to Gazara to do away with John. To the army officers he sent letters inviting them to come to him so that he might present them with silver, gold, and gifts.
20 He also sent others to seize Jerusalem and the temple mount.
21 But someone ran ahead and brought word to John at Gazara that his father and his brothers had perished, and “Ptolemy has sent men to kill you also.”
22 On hearing this, John was utterly astounded. When the men came to kill him, he seized them and put them to death, for he knew that they sought to kill him.
23 Now the rest of the acts of John, his wars and the brave deeds he performed, his rebuilding of the walls, and all his achievements—
24 these are recorded in the chronicle of his high priesthood, from the time that he succeeded his father as high priest.