2 Macc. 12, 43–45
After this he took a collection from them individually, amounting to
nearly two thousand drachmas, and sent it to Jerusalem to have a
sacrifice for sin offered, an action altogether fine and noble, prompted
by his belief in the resurrection. For had he not expected the fallen to
rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the
dead, whereas if he had in view the splendid recompense reserved for
those who make a pious end, the thought was holy and devout. Hence,
he had this expiatory sacrifice offered for the dead, so that they might
be released from their sin.