And it all starts with a letter.
I'm talking about the Letter of Aristeas. It's not actually part of the Bible itself, but it's a fascinating ancient text that claims to tell us how the Septuagint – that Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures – came to be.
So, picture this: I'm sitting down with you, a warm drink in hand, ready to share this incredible tale. And, as my friend Philocrates apparently did with the author of this letter, you've been nudging me to tell you all about it.
The Letter of Aristeas opens with the author addressing Philocrates, explaining that he's compiled "Material for a memorable history" of his visit to Eleazar, the High Priest in Jerusalem. And because Philocrates, being the curious soul he is, has been so keen to hear about the "motives and object of my mission," the author is laying it all out. He notes Philocrates’ "natural love of learning" as the reason for his eagerness to hear this tale.
Who was this Aristeas? The letter itself suggests he was an official at the court of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who ruled Egypt in the 3rd century BCE. Ptolemy, according to this account, had a grand vision: to create the most comprehensive library in the world in Alexandria. And to do that, he needed everything translated into Greek.