For he had heard that the Jews were addressed by the Romans as friends and allies and brethren: This verse gives the reasons why Demetrius honored Simon. For the dealings Simon had with Rome and Sparta, see verses 16-24. There is a problem here since Demetrius referred to Simon as High Priest and friend of kings (1Macc 13.36) before the description of the diplomacy in verses 16-24. Either there was a previous mission to Rome and Sparta that took place before Demetrius’ letter (1Macc 13.36-40) or the events are simply not narrated in chronological order. A minor problem is that the narrative said earlier that the Spartans, not the Romans, considered the Jews to be related to them (1Macc 12.19-23), yet here we are told that the Romans considered the Jews brethren. Perhaps it is best to assume that this is meant only figuratively, so translators may omit the word, unless they can use a word like “brothers” or “relatives” in a way that will not be understood as literal.

And that the Romans had received the envoys of Simon with honor: Compare verse 23, where a similar expression occurs.

Contemporary English Version has a good model for this verse, reversing the order of the clauses:

• He did this because he knew that the Romans had welcomed Simon’s messengers and considered Jews their friends, allies, and relatives.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.