Translators may begin a new paragraph here since a new character is introduced in the story (so Revised Standard Version, Good News Bible). It is not necessary to combine these two verses, but we think they are clearer if the last clause of verse 14 is moved to the end of 15 (see the model below).

Then he called for Philip, one of his friends: It is likely that Philip, a very trusted friend, was already in the room near Antiochus’ bedside, so he was not sending someone out of the room to call Philip. For friends as a title, see the comments on 1Macc 2.18. This clause may be rendered “Then Antiochus asked Philip, one of his most trusted advisors, to come near him [or, his bed].”

And made him ruler over all his kingdom: Antiochus was not making Philip king. He was to be regent, ruling in place of a king until Antiochus’ son was old enough to rule as king in his own right. This does not become clear until the next verse. Good News Bible has “and put him in charge of his whole empire,” which is an accurate translation. However, some translators may want to say “and put him in charge of all the countries he ruled over.”

He gave him the crown and his robe and the signet: The crown may be translated “his crown” (Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). The signet was a ring with a design cut into it. The king’s signet identified him as the king. Good News Bible says “official ring,” which is a good equivalent.

That he might guide Antiochus his son and bring him up to be king may be translated “He told Philip to take them to his son Antiochus, and raise him to be king.” Goldstein adopts this reading, arguing that the Greek verb translated guide (Good News Bible “educate”) never means “educate” in the Greek Old Testament. This approach makes for better sense, but the true original Greek text cannot be always identified on the grounds of making better sense than another reading. It is our feeling that Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible translate the correct Greek text, but we see no reason why the translation suggested above cannot be justified as a dynamic translation of that text. Of course Antiochus intended Philip to give the royal insignia to his son. And the clear intention was for Philip to be the guardian for the boy, educating him properly, until such time as he could rule in his own right. The son eventually ruled as King Antiochus~V. Good News Bible has so identified him here. This is legitimate, but some may feel it is more confusing than helpful. The verbs guide and bring … up may be combined into one verb, such as “raise” (see the model below).

An alternative model for verses 14-15 is:

• 14-15~The king asked Philip, one of his most trusted advisors, to come near him. He took his crown, his [royal] robe, and his official ring, and handed them over to Philip. He told him to give these to his son, and to raise the boy to be King Antiochus~V. Until that time [or, the boy became king], Philip was to rule over his whole kingdom.

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.