The Son Cometh Volume 1
by Brian Baldemor
Westbow Press
book review by Mihir Shah
“After seeing Him, therefore, the shepherds then spread the angelic proclamation that a Savior had been born, who is Christ the Lord.”
In this meticulously researched commentary dissecting the events around the life of Jesus Christ—forty years prior, and forty years after—Baldemor goes to immense lengths to instill a scholarly understanding of this time period that encompasses Herod’s lifespan, the earthly journey of the Lord, and the downfall of Jerusalem. The author’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned is abundantly apparent in his efforts to explore every element of that time, from the political landscape to the religious tenor of the society.
Using references from prominent Roman-Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, the author systematically probes into intriguing topics such as Jesus’ regal lineage. At the root, Baldemor delivers a clearer understanding and context that isn’t readily available in biblical scriptures, all while preserving a conversational tone that facilitates audience engagement despite the comprehensive nature of the work. Furthermore, timely charts such as the quote references table juxtaposing Jesus and Adam and the one chronicling the wives and children of Herod ensure that even the layman or biblical novice can grasp their importance.
Through a steady dose of scripture and Josephus references, Baldemor seamlessly brings to life history-changing moments like Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. More importantly, an unbiased perspective sheds light on pivotal inflection points like Jesus’ parable of the Sanhedrin and the high priests’ determination to condemn the Lord for blasphemy on account of his proclamation that he is the Messiah. For a more thorough grasp of the content, Baldemor adds further depth to the footnotes section, giving audiences a guide map to dig deeper and fully immerse themselves in the biblical realm. Above all else, the author effectively portrays the universal truth of the Lord with utmost transparency while delving into themes like human sin through the timeline before and after the lifespan of Jesus Christ.