3 Maccabees 3:24-26

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

²⁴ Therefore, fully convinced by these indications that they are ill-disposed toward us in every way, we have taken precautions so that, if a sudden disorder later arises against us, we shall not have these impious people behind our backs as traitors and barbarous enemies. ²⁵ Therefore we have given orders that, as soon as this letter arrives, you are to send to us those who live among you, together with their wives and children, with insulting and harsh treatment and bound securely with iron fetters, to suffer the sure and shameful death that befits enemies.^{(A) 26} For when all of these have been punished, we are sure that for the remaining time the government will be established for ourselves in good order and in the best state.