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The First Days of Jesus
A bright star. A lowly manger. Shepherds keeping watch over their flocks. Everyone knows at least something about the first Christmas. But there's more to the story than what can be contained on a greeting card. Investigating the social, cultural, and political background to the New Testament narratives, this prequel to The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived explores the real meaning of Christ's birth in a fresh and compelling way. Perfect for those looking for something to read during Advent, this book combines scholarly insights with warm reflections in order to inform the mind and stir the soul.
276 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 24, 2015
What I loved about The First Days of Jesus is how Andreas J. Köstenberger & Alexander Stewart have redrawn the lines between cultural Christmas and biblical Christmas. Their book caused me to slow down and read more deeply into John’s prologue and the birth narratives found in Matthew and Luke’s gospels. Köstenberger and Stewart, as New Testament scholars, drew my attention to subtleties in these narratives and explained the different ways in which the original language could be interpreted. Furthermore, by placing the narratives within their historical context they were able to separate true Christmas from tradition and culture – providing the fresh encounter with the Christ of Christmas I have been seeking.
First and foremost, this is a book of theology which examines scripture in minute detail. It explores the genealogies of Christ, origins of the magoi, historicity of scripture, immaculate conception, prophecy fulfillment, the incarnation, and God’s overall redemptive plan. While some of the material was familiar, much of it was new to me and very compelling to read. In fact, I’ve read it twice—flagging pages and underlined key points along the way.
It would be impossible to deny the devotional aspect of the text. I had a lot of “ah-ha” moments where either my preconceived notions were shattered or fascinating connections were made. Many times, I was compelled to stop reading and thank God in the moment for the new revelation. I may never grasp the full extent of God’s love, but this book made it feel a little wider, longer, higher and deeper. The First Days of Jesus is a worship inspiring book!
In addition to recommending The First Days of Jesus to my church librarian, I plan to share it with our Women’s Ministry, because I feel it would be a wonderful selection for small group book study. Seeker or skeptic, pastor or pew sitter, student or teacher… this book is for you.
First and foremost, this is a book of theology which examines scripture in minute detail. It explores the genealogies of Christ, origins of the magoi, historicity of scripture, immaculate conception, prophecy fulfillment, the incarnation, and God’s overall redemptive plan. While some of the material was familiar, much of it was new to me and very compelling to read. In fact, I’ve read it twice—flagging pages and underlined key points along the way.
It would be impossible to deny the devotional aspect of the text. I had a lot of “ah-ha” moments where either my preconceived notions were shattered or fascinating connections were made. Many times, I was compelled to stop reading and thank God in the moment for the new revelation. I may never grasp the full extent of God’s love, but this book made it feel a little wider, longer, higher and deeper. The First Days of Jesus is a worship inspiring book!
In addition to recommending The First Days of Jesus to my church librarian, I plan to share it with our Women’s Ministry, because I feel it would be a wonderful selection for small group book study. Seeker or skeptic, pastor or pew sitter, student or teacher… this book is for you.
December 19, 2025
Rounding up to 5 stars
Excellent
This is one of my new favorite books about Christmas. The authors sequentially examine the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth in Matthew, Luke, and then John. Written by two New Testament scholars, it’s more meaty than most books on the subject, but it isn’t a dry academic treatise.
Hilariously, this book was recommended to me by ChatGPT after I listed a few other books on Advent that I enjoyed. It sure would be nice if GR would use AI to make better and more customized recommendations. Maybe someday…
Excellent
This is one of my new favorite books about Christmas. The authors sequentially examine the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth in Matthew, Luke, and then John. Written by two New Testament scholars, it’s more meaty than most books on the subject, but it isn’t a dry academic treatise.
Hilariously, this book was recommended to me by ChatGPT after I listed a few other books on Advent that I enjoyed. It sure would be nice if GR would use AI to make better and more customized recommendations. Maybe someday…
November 11, 2015
Generally speaking prequels, at least when it comes to movies, receive mixed reviews at best. They often lack the appeal that the original movies from which they spawned command. However, The First Days of Jesus, sort of a prequel to The Final Days of Jesus, matches the accomplishments of its predecessor.
The authors, Andreas Kostenberger and Alexander Stewart, describe The First Days of Jesus as “a guidebook for reading and encountering the Gospel infancy narratives” which “will examine a section of the biblical text with an eye toward proper understanding and application.” As to these proposed aims of the book, I consider it a success.
This work did indeed help me encounter and engage with Scripture’s account of Jesus’ birth. The author’s efforts to help this reader properly understand the text were also successful. I learned new information around the narratives as well as, with the author’s help, dispel cultural myths and mistakes about the historical event. I feel I have a much better command of the passages under consideration.
Additionally, the authors endeavour to approach the biblical text in a manner that is “biblical, exegetical, historical, and devotional. The biblical-ness of their approach is evident as they connect the birth stories to both Old Testament prophecies as well as future events not yet fulfilled. They examine and exegete the texts with care and precision appropriate for the broad audience that this book would appeal to. By explaining how these texts fit into their historical context, I was helped immensely. It is easy to read these stories through 21st century lenses which obscures and confuses what really happened.
The devotional aspect of this book similarly appealed to me. By devotional, the authors mean that their intention is to “discuss the scriptures in such a way that you, the reader, will be drawn closer to God. I can avouch that the book did have this desired effect on me. A clearer, more accurate understanding of the bible will have this effect; the authors enhance the devotional character of this book through their intentional writing to this end.
Of the first book about Jesus’ last days I wrote, “This book will be valuable for all Christians as well as non-believers interested in the last days of Christ on earth. Its simplicity enhances the beauty and wonder of the story.” I can reiterate these sentiments and apply them infancy narratives covered in The First Days of Jesus. I recommend this book!
This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of review.
The authors, Andreas Kostenberger and Alexander Stewart, describe The First Days of Jesus as “a guidebook for reading and encountering the Gospel infancy narratives” which “will examine a section of the biblical text with an eye toward proper understanding and application.” As to these proposed aims of the book, I consider it a success.
This work did indeed help me encounter and engage with Scripture’s account of Jesus’ birth. The author’s efforts to help this reader properly understand the text were also successful. I learned new information around the narratives as well as, with the author’s help, dispel cultural myths and mistakes about the historical event. I feel I have a much better command of the passages under consideration.
Additionally, the authors endeavour to approach the biblical text in a manner that is “biblical, exegetical, historical, and devotional. The biblical-ness of their approach is evident as they connect the birth stories to both Old Testament prophecies as well as future events not yet fulfilled. They examine and exegete the texts with care and precision appropriate for the broad audience that this book would appeal to. By explaining how these texts fit into their historical context, I was helped immensely. It is easy to read these stories through 21st century lenses which obscures and confuses what really happened.
The devotional aspect of this book similarly appealed to me. By devotional, the authors mean that their intention is to “discuss the scriptures in such a way that you, the reader, will be drawn closer to God. I can avouch that the book did have this desired effect on me. A clearer, more accurate understanding of the bible will have this effect; the authors enhance the devotional character of this book through their intentional writing to this end.
Of the first book about Jesus’ last days I wrote, “This book will be valuable for all Christians as well as non-believers interested in the last days of Christ on earth. Its simplicity enhances the beauty and wonder of the story.” I can reiterate these sentiments and apply them infancy narratives covered in The First Days of Jesus. I recommend this book!
This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of review.
December 29, 2021
Every year around Easter and Christmas I try to read something devotionally that will draw me into the story that we are meant to be remembering. This book is not so much a devotional as a scholarly background and insight into the birth of Jesus from the different gospel sources. Having said that and although it is written by N.T. scholars it is not an academic read. It is filled with historical gems yet at the same time presents the personal challenge of the meaning behind the events we celebrate at Christmas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely read it again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely read it again.
January 10, 2018
If you think you heard it all and exhausted all there is to learn concerning the birth of Christ or the incarnation think again. This book is written by two New Testament professors who offer their insights into passages that cover the infant narrative of Jesus Christ. Though I felt the book started slowly and I was initially concerned whether there would be new things I can learn nevertheless as the book progressed I found it fulfilled my expectation of learning about the birth of Jesus and the incarnation through fresh eyes.
In the beginning of the book the two authors stated that out of the Bible’s 1,189 chapters only 4 ½ chapters are dedicated to the subject of Jesus’ first days. For preachers like myself preaching Christmas messages can be challenging to an audience that think they know it all already; or worst, preacher can fall into the pit of thinking that one got the birth narrative down and there is nothing to learn. But there are new things to discover from the Bible, including the early days of Jesus.
The book is divided into three parts with a total of fifteen chapters. Part 1 is on the Virgin-Born Messiah while Part 2 is on Jesus as the Light of the Nations and finally Part 3 is the Incarnate Word. Each chapter began with the passage that the chapter would focus on; I appreciated this format so that I myself as the reader can read the primary source of God’s Word for myself.
I really enjoyed the book’s discussion of the background of King Herod who was ruling when Jesus was born. The author presented quite an interesting biographical information of Herod and also how he would have interpreted hearing the birth of Jesus. Knowing how Herod executed his own wife and two sons along with his parnoia to the extent of having six wills made it much more believable why Herod would be willing to kill even young kids who might be viewed by others as king of the Jews. In addition I thought the information about Herod’s conflict with Parthians when they had Antigonus as their client king of Judea during Herod’s early days really helped put in perspective of how he would have seen the wise men coming from the East that was Parthian territory. Very informative and interesting portion of the book!
Other parts of the book that I enjoyed include the discussion of how Jesus is presented in the Gospel of Matthew as the “Second Israel” in which there are too many parallels to be coincidental. For instance Jesus had twelve disciples like how Israel had twelve tribes. Jesus went to Egypt just as Israel went to Egypt. Both Jesus and Israel were persecuted by a wicked ruler. I also enjoyed how the book had an apologetic thrust as well. There were more things I learned from this book than I can write down for this book review.
If you feel that the “Christmas” story is all too familiar to you, you might want to read this book; as the book stated in the beginning familiarity breeds contempt but familiarity with the Bible leads to laziness. This book though makes for a great devotional to refresh your love for Christ.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Crossway and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
In the beginning of the book the two authors stated that out of the Bible’s 1,189 chapters only 4 ½ chapters are dedicated to the subject of Jesus’ first days. For preachers like myself preaching Christmas messages can be challenging to an audience that think they know it all already; or worst, preacher can fall into the pit of thinking that one got the birth narrative down and there is nothing to learn. But there are new things to discover from the Bible, including the early days of Jesus.
The book is divided into three parts with a total of fifteen chapters. Part 1 is on the Virgin-Born Messiah while Part 2 is on Jesus as the Light of the Nations and finally Part 3 is the Incarnate Word. Each chapter began with the passage that the chapter would focus on; I appreciated this format so that I myself as the reader can read the primary source of God’s Word for myself.
I really enjoyed the book’s discussion of the background of King Herod who was ruling when Jesus was born. The author presented quite an interesting biographical information of Herod and also how he would have interpreted hearing the birth of Jesus. Knowing how Herod executed his own wife and two sons along with his parnoia to the extent of having six wills made it much more believable why Herod would be willing to kill even young kids who might be viewed by others as king of the Jews. In addition I thought the information about Herod’s conflict with Parthians when they had Antigonus as their client king of Judea during Herod’s early days really helped put in perspective of how he would have seen the wise men coming from the East that was Parthian territory. Very informative and interesting portion of the book!
Other parts of the book that I enjoyed include the discussion of how Jesus is presented in the Gospel of Matthew as the “Second Israel” in which there are too many parallels to be coincidental. For instance Jesus had twelve disciples like how Israel had twelve tribes. Jesus went to Egypt just as Israel went to Egypt. Both Jesus and Israel were persecuted by a wicked ruler. I also enjoyed how the book had an apologetic thrust as well. There were more things I learned from this book than I can write down for this book review.
If you feel that the “Christmas” story is all too familiar to you, you might want to read this book; as the book stated in the beginning familiarity breeds contempt but familiarity with the Bible leads to laziness. This book though makes for a great devotional to refresh your love for Christ.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Crossway and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
February 7, 2020
Cerebral and engrossing book on the incarnation of Jesus. I read this on NetGalley, but I do hope they moved the reading guide to the front of the book as it would make for an excellent and in depth Advent book/study.
Not to be missed if you’re already familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth and would like to delve deeper!
Not to be missed if you’re already familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth and would like to delve deeper!
January 2, 2016
*The First Days of Jesus* by Andreas Kostenberger and Alexander Stewart is an excellent exposition of the birth narrative stories found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John. As a pastor, I needed a text that would refresh and reinvigorate my understanding of these beautiful stories as I approached another Christmas season. Without a doubt, the insights shared by these authors not only improved my teaching but also brought a renewed appreciation for the doctrine of the incarnation as a vital truth in my walk with God. You may think you know these birth narratives, but I would encourage you to read *The First Days of Jesus* to receive a fresh perspective on the virgin birth, infancy stories, and Old Testament fulfillment.
March 19, 2018
This was a good book covering the birth narratives in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It also looks at the theology of the incarnation in the gospel of John (even though John doesn't have a birth narrative). The picture we have of Jesus birth is often created in our minds from Christmas movies and decorations and doesn't resemble the actual story found in Scripture. This book seeks to paint a picture from the text.
After walking through each of the main texts dealing with the birth of Jesus, the author makes application to our lives for today. The appendix shows how Jews during the intertestamental period were awaiting a Messiah. Extensive notes and indexes are included for reference.
After walking through each of the main texts dealing with the birth of Jesus, the author makes application to our lives for today. The appendix shows how Jews during the intertestamental period were awaiting a Messiah. Extensive notes and indexes are included for reference.
November 1, 2021
Wow, what an incredibly helpful resource on the Incarnation! The authors trace the Messianic expectations of the Old Testament, connect it to the unfolding of God’s entrance in the gospels, and finish with it’s significance. Very helpful to have each account explained, connected to the others, and lifted high in hope! Grateful for this work.
January 25, 2016
Thorough exploration of the first coming of Jesus Christ
The author delves into the birth narrative of Jesus Christ from a variety of angles to illuminate this well known account.
The author delves into the birth narrative of Jesus Christ from a variety of angles to illuminate this well known account.
June 4, 2022
This is basically a commentary on the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke, along with John 1:1-18. They do an excellent job of reflecting on Old Testament passages and helping the reader understand possible historical situations. Not overly technical, but some good scholarship. The notes add to the details. Many good biblical discussions and personal applications. A few times I wanted more (discussion of sequence of events), but overall an excellent and thought provoking work.
June 18, 2019
Very helpful overview of the incarnation and its importance in the life of the Christian and the church.
Appendix provided helpful insight into Second Temple Judaism's diverse messianic expectations as the backdrop for the incarnation and the subsequent Christian understanding of God's messiah entering the world.
A must-read during the season of advent.
Appendix provided helpful insight into Second Temple Judaism's diverse messianic expectations as the backdrop for the incarnation and the subsequent Christian understanding of God's messiah entering the world.
A must-read during the season of advent.
January 8, 2026
Very good. The authors examine nativity stories from the various Gospels, exploring different aspects of Christ's advent from the historical factors (the identity of the Magi) to more theological aspects (the pre-existence of the Word). It was sufficiently informative without being overly dense, and I appreciated the authors' devotional bent too.
January 2, 2019
Both this and the Easter one are helpful short summaries into the timelines of Jesus's life
January 1, 2020
Best Christmas devotional
This devotional points you back to the Word! A true devotional. It doesn’t take up time with long stories or illustrations.
This devotional points you back to the Word! A true devotional. It doesn’t take up time with long stories or illustrations.
December 19, 2021
A good companion for this year's Christmas season.
February 24, 2023
3.5. Very interesting historical background on the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth and life.
December 11, 2025
Rich. Biblical. Encouraging.
February 21, 2018
The world is a broken place filled with broken people, and we cannot fix ourselves with better education, economic mobility, or peaceful relationships. This brings us back to the biblical explanation and solution. The world is broken because of sin, and we need a supernatural solution to the problem.
The First Days of Jesus is the solution to the problem. The author takes the 4 gospel accounts of Matthew, Luke, Mark and John and zero's in on the birth of Jesus. Going back to the prophetic word of the Old Testament and the hope we have for today, the birth of Jesus is closely tied to the resurrection.
The author divides the text into 4 parts.
Virgin Born Messiah
Light of the Nations
Incarnate Word
Epilogue/Appendix-The 2nd Coming
There are many questions the author presents that brings the gospel to a better understanding. Why the virgin birth? Why did the angels appear to the Shepherds? Why was Jesus born in poverty?
What was most insightful to me was how each author of the Gospel zeroed in on a particular account. Matthew starts with the genealogy of Jesus and the importance significance of that account. Luke narration is more of testimony and the witness accounts of Jesus Birth. However, each narrative demands a response. What do we do with Jesus? Do we believe who he says he is and is claim to be a witness to the truth. In his own words he has come to proclaim the truth and just like Pilate we claim what is truth? It is proclamation of Pilate that we come to realize the conflict between two kingdoms. The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of this world.
Each narrative gives an account of embracing the Kingdom of God and embracing the Kingdom of this world. The First Days of Jesus puts us face to face on what kingdom we are embracing. I highly recommend.
A Special Thank You to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The First Days of Jesus is the solution to the problem. The author takes the 4 gospel accounts of Matthew, Luke, Mark and John and zero's in on the birth of Jesus. Going back to the prophetic word of the Old Testament and the hope we have for today, the birth of Jesus is closely tied to the resurrection.
The author divides the text into 4 parts.
Virgin Born Messiah
Light of the Nations
Incarnate Word
Epilogue/Appendix-The 2nd Coming
There are many questions the author presents that brings the gospel to a better understanding. Why the virgin birth? Why did the angels appear to the Shepherds? Why was Jesus born in poverty?
What was most insightful to me was how each author of the Gospel zeroed in on a particular account. Matthew starts with the genealogy of Jesus and the importance significance of that account. Luke narration is more of testimony and the witness accounts of Jesus Birth. However, each narrative demands a response. What do we do with Jesus? Do we believe who he says he is and is claim to be a witness to the truth. In his own words he has come to proclaim the truth and just like Pilate we claim what is truth? It is proclamation of Pilate that we come to realize the conflict between two kingdoms. The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of this world.
Each narrative gives an account of embracing the Kingdom of God and embracing the Kingdom of this world. The First Days of Jesus puts us face to face on what kingdom we are embracing. I highly recommend.
A Special Thank You to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
December 21, 2015
Decent. Basically what you would expect from the subtitle. Takes a look at the advent narratives of Matthew and Luke, as well as a few verses from John 1 (the portion of the book addressing the Fourth Gospel did not fit in well with the rest of the material, but was nevertheless a fair expounding of that chapter). The book is not super-detailed but does deal with the necessary issues that these chapters raise (was Quirinius even governor of Syria when Jesus was born, for instance). The book got pretty "devotional" at times, which some readers will like more than others, but it was never overbearing. The writers do not deal with the birth year of Jesus in detail, merely mentioning briefly why it must have been in 6 or 5 BC. However, a book they wrote previously (dealing with Holy Week) discusses this topic in more depth, I believe.
Anyhow, a good read for the week of Christmas. Probably the best popular-level title out there on the topic.
Anyhow, a good read for the week of Christmas. Probably the best popular-level title out there on the topic.
December 25, 2015
A well-sequenced Advent devotional, although the majority of the book focuses more on synchronizing the beginnings of 3 Gospels than on analyzing the significance of their content. The presentation is dry, but does have a fascinating perspective on the cross-driven life of Christ, from prophesies to childhood. Get through the first 80 pages, and you will be met with reward at one of the most articulate and succinct descriptions of Covenant theology I have come across.
December 21, 2015
Kostenberger and Stewart's commentary on the incarnation passages were excellent, as was their personal application. The appendix on Jewish expectations of the Messiah were a great resource. I'd complement this with some of Craig Evans' observations in his great book The Fabrication of Jesus. This was a great way to meditate on the key texts, especially John 1 (Kostenberger is a world-class scholar on the Gospel of John), where the exposition really shines.
February 24, 2020
The first thing to notice about this book is the Reading Plan which strangely is at the back of the book! If I had realised this it would have been easier to use the book as an Advent reader.
It was an interesting read but more in depth than the average reader as it was written by two professors. So don't expect a light easy read.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
It was an interesting read but more in depth than the average reader as it was written by two professors. So don't expect a light easy read.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews