Chapter 51

¹ You have seen the threat of a man, a tyrannizing king, who had not known him who said: “Do not fear those men who are able to kill the body but in the same act are unable to kill the inner self; rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”

² Not cowering at these words, the young men answered, saying: “We have no need to answer you concerning this matter. For there is a God whom we serve, able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and out of your hands, O king, he will rescue us. But even if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, and the golden image which you set up we do not worship.”