Onkelos

Onkelos, also known as Aquila of Sinope, was a Jewish convert to Christianity who lived in the 2nd century CE. He is primarily known for his Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, the Septuagint, which was commissioned by Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Onkelos's translation, also referred to as the Vulgate, became the standard Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible for centuries and heavily influenced subsequent translations, including the Latin Vulgate.

His conversion to Christianity is a significant event in his biography, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. It is believed that he was an uncle of the Roman emperor Hadrian, which may have provided him with certain advantages and connections. However, this familial link is debated among scholars. Onkelos's theological views and his contributions to early Christian thought are also subjects of scholarly discussion. His translation of the Bible was an ambitious undertaking, aiming to provide a more accurate and accessible version of the scriptures for Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians. The legacy of Onkelos lies in his profound impact on biblical scholarship and the dissemination of the Hebrew Bible in the Hellenistic world.