Lysias chose Ptolemy the son of Dorymenes, and Nicanor and Gorgias, mighty men among the friends of the king: Mighty men may be rendered “capable [or, skilled/well-trained] soldiers.” For the friends of the king, see the comments on 1Macc 2.18.

Good News Bible may serve as a model, or the following may be used:

• Lysias then chose three able [or, skilled] soldiers to lead the army. These were Nicanor, Gorgias, and Ptolemy son of Dorymenes. All three had the title “Friend of the King.”

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.