The 'Apocalypse of Baruch' (or '2 Baruch') was evidently written originally in Hebrew, translated into Greek, and then from Greek into Syriac. This book presents a vivid picture of the hopes and beliefs of Judaism during the years 50-100 C.E. Its composition was thus contemporaneous with that of the New Testament and is therefore of great interest to both the religion of Judeans and the early Christ-followers. Two rabbis have been suggested as the author of the work: Rabbi Akiba and Rabbi Joshua ben Hananiah.