Much has been written about the “historical” Jesus, but in this book, famed scholar of early Christianity L. Michael White looks at the image of Jesus as propagated by his immediate followers. The gospel writers were storytellers, and the stories they told about Jesus and his followers have shaped the beliefs of almost two-and-a-half billion people. Scripting Jesus brings the stories of Jesus and the birth of Christianity to life in full color. One gospel’s version of events will be at odds with what the church says or what another gospel indicates. For instance, in Jesus’s birth narrative, there is no mention of a stable in Matthew and Luke, there are no wise men in Luke, and no shepherds in Matthew. With his usual engaging style, White helps the reader read the gospels, gives us a clearer idea of what the gospels stories meant to people in ancient Palestine, and offers insight for how we can understand Jesus’ story today.