Books Jesus Read

Chapter 6: The Spirit of the Martyrs – 2 Maccabees

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both his hands, he said, “I got these from heaven but they are nothing compared to God’s law. And God will return them to me after you take them!” The king was astonished at the young man’s spirit, seeing he looked upon suffering as nothing at all. After the young man was tortured and killed, the next younger brother willingly stepped forward. “Would you rather have your body destroyed or eat the sacrifice?” the torturers demanded. “I will not eat,” he answered, “for you may snuff out this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us to everlasting life, since we have died for his laws.” Then they tortured him in the same way as his older brother and he died. The third brother surrendered to the torture, and when he was near death, he cried out, “I cherish the hope God gives of being raised again, but for you there will be no resurrection to life!” As the fourth son came forward, he said to the king, “Do not think that God has forsaken our people just because you have authority among mortals and do whatever you please. His sovereign power will torture you and your descendants forever!” Likewise the fifth and sixth sons addressed the king before they died, “We suffer on account of our sin, so do not be deceived: you too will receive punishment for opposing our God!” Antiochus, feeling judged on account of these testimonies, appealed to the youngest son, offering him wealth and an easy life if he would only turn from the ways of his