Where Should I Start Reading the Bible?
In our last article, we talked about how to read and study the Bible, beginning with prayer, paying attention to context, and approaching Scripture with humility. Whether you’re a new believer or simply opening the Bible seriously for the first time, one question almost always comes up: “Where do I start reading the Bible?”
If you’ve ever opened your Bible, looked at its sixty-six books, and immediately felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. New believers and longtime followers of Christ alike can feel the same uncertainty when trying to build a consistent habit of reading God’s Word. The good news is that there isn’t one secret formula or a single correct starting place. Faithful believers have approached Bible reading in many different ways throughout history.
There Isn’t One “Correct” Reading Plan
While there isn’t one right place to begin, there are some starting points that tend to be more helpful than others depending on where you are and what you’re looking for. The goal isn’t to find the perfect reading plan; it’s to spend consistent, prayerful time in God’s Word and grow in your relationship with Jesus. Let’s walk through this together.
The Bible is not a novel that must be read in strict Genesis-to-Revelation order. While many believers benefit from reading the Bible cover to cover, I’d generally encourage new readers to begin elsewhere. Starting in Genesis isn’t wrong, but many people become discouraged before getting through Exodus, much less reaching the Gospels.
Different teachers, reading plans, and traditions recommend different starting places, and that variety is a gift. Some start in the Gospels so they begin in Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. Others turn to Psalms for honest prayer or Proverbs for wisdom. All of these approaches can be fruitful when approached with humility.
My Recommendation for New Readers
If you are brand new to the Bible or returning after a long time away, I usually recommend starting with the life of Jesus. Beginning with the Gospels gives you a foundation in Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, all of which are central to understanding our faith. From there, I suggest moving into the history of the early church and practical instructions for living out the faith.
- John – Introduces who Jesus is with personal clarity and theological depth. The famous “I am” statements and the carefully chosen signs make it an excellent place to begin.
- Mark – Presents Jesus as the suffering Servant who came to give His life as a ransom for many. It is short, moves quickly, and is easy for new readers to follow without getting lost in long discourses.
- Luke – Emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the poor, outsiders, widows, and the marginalized. It’s detailed and orderly. Luke carefully shows how the gospel reaches both Jews and Gentiles. Many find Luke’s careful storytelling especially helpful.
- Matthew – Highlights Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Old Testament Scriptures. Reading Matthew after the other Gospels helps you understand the connections better and prepares you to notice the Old Testament quotations throughout the New Testament.
- Acts – Shows how the message of Jesus spreads through the power of the Holy Spirit after the resurrection and describes the history of the early church. It connects the Gospels to the rest of the New Testament.
- James – Helps new believers see that the faith is meant to be lived out in ordinary decisions and relationships. It’s straightforward wisdom for everyday living.
- Philippians – Centers everything on Christ and is deeply encouraging when life feels hard. It’s a letter from Paul about joy while he’s in prison.
- Ephesians – Explains salvation by grace, the believer’s new identity in Christ, and how to walk in that new life. It is rich theology written in a way that still feels pastoral and practical.
This isn’t the only faithful way to begin reading the Bible, nor is it the only reading plan that bears fruit. It’s simply the path I often recommend because it introduces Jesus first, builds a strong foundation for understanding the faith, and naturally prepares you for the rest of Scripture. The goal isn’t to follow the perfect plan; it’s to faithfully spend time in God’s Word.
If You’re Looking for Something Specific
Not everyone comes to the Bible with the same questions or needs. You may want to learn more about Jesus, find encouragement during a difficult season, or understand how faith affects everyday life. Every book contributes to the Bible’s unified message, but some books are especially helpful for certain questions or seasons.
If you’re looking for… | Book | Why? |
The life and teachings of Jesus | John | Focuses on who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to believe in Him. |
A fast-paced introduction to Jesus’ ministry | Mark | The shortest Gospel moves quickly through Jesus’ actions, teachings, death, and resurrection. |
A detailed account of Jesus’ life | Luke | Provides an orderly account and emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for outsiders and those often overlooked. |
The history of the early church | Acts | Shows how the gospel spread through the power of the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ resurrection. |
Practical guidance for living out your faith | James | Offers straightforward instruction about everyday decisions, relationships, speech, and perseverance. |
Joy and encouragement during difficult seasons | Philippians | Keeps the reader’s attention centered on Christ even through hardship and uncertainty. |
Your identity and new life in Christ | Ephesians | Explains salvation by grace, unity in Christ, and how believers are called to live. |
A deeper focus on the supremacy of Christ | Colossians | Emphasizes who Jesus is and how knowing Him should shape every part of life. |
Wisdom for everyday decisions | Proverbs | Provides practical principles for wise and godly living while reminding us that proverbs are general truths, not unconditional promises. |
Honest prayer in every season | Psalms | Shows how to bring joy, fear, grief, anger, doubt, praise, and hope honestly before God. |
The beginning of God’s unfolding plan | Genesis | Introduces creation, humanity, sin, covenant, and the early history that forms the foundation of the rest of Scripture. |
These suggestions are not rigid rules, but helpful starting points. As you grow in your understanding of Scripture, you will naturally begin reading more broadly across both the Old and New Testaments.
Don’t Ignore the Old Testament
The Old Testament is essential. Jesus read it, quoted it, fulfilled it, and taught from it. The apostles constantly pointed back to it. The Old Testament reveals God’s character, shows the depth of human sin and need, and prepares the way for the Messiah. Without an understanding of it, much of the New Testament’s depth and meaning is easy to miss.
I’m not suggesting you skip the Old Testament or treat it as optional. Rather, I’m encouraging new readers to build a foundation in the life and teachings of Jesus first. Once you begin to understand who Jesus is and what He came to do, the rich history, law, poetry, and prophecy of the Old Testament come alive in a new way. That foundation will also serve you well as we explore Jewish culture, background, and context in future articles.
A Few Simple Habits That Help
Read small sections. Quality matters more than quantity. It is better to understand one chapter carefully than to rush through ten. Five thoughtful verses will do more good than five distracted chapters. The Bible was written to be meditated on, not merely consumed.
Ask good questions. This goes back to the last article about reading and studying God’s Word. As you read, pause and ask:
- What does this teach me about God?
- What does it reveal about people?
- Is there something to believe?
- Is there something to obey?
- Is there an example to follow?
- How does this point to Christ?
Read consistently, not legalistically. Even fifteen minutes a day adds up over time. Some days you will read more and some less, but the goal is not a perfect streak on a reading plan. The goal is regular time with God in His Word. Consistency in God’s Word will shape you far more than occasional bursts of intensity.
If You Miss a Day or Get Stuck
At some point, you will miss a day, fall behind on a reading plan, or reach a passage you do not understand. Don’t let that become a reason to quit. You do not have to start over or rush through several chapters just to catch up. Simply return to where you stopped and keep going.
When you encounter something confusing, make a note of it. Read the surrounding passage again, consult a trusted study Bible, or ask your pastor or another mature believer for help. Some questions will be answered as your understanding of the rest of the Scripture grows.
The goal is not to maintain a perfect record. It is to continue returning to God’s Word, even after your routine has been interrupted.
Keep Showing Up
Don’t worry about becoming a Bible scholar overnight. Every mature believer was once the person wondering where to start. Keep showing up. Ask questions. Pray for wisdom. Read with humility. God has been faithfully growing His people through His Word for thousands of years, and He will be faithful to help you as well.
As you spend time in Scripture, don’t be surprised if you begin to notice changes in your thinking, your priorities, and your desires. The Holy Spirit has a way of exposing areas of our lives that need to grow while also reminding us of God’s grace and faithfulness.
At times, that growth can feel challenging. You may wrestle with old habits, encounter opposition, or experience seasons of discouragement. This is normal. A life of following Christ involves spiritual battles, but we do not fight them alone. God has given us His Spirit, His Word, and the encouragement of fellow believers.
You won’t understand everything overnight. You’ll have questions. You’ll read passages that seem confusing. Some days you’ll feel encouraged. Other days you may wonder if you’re growing at all, and that’s okay.
The Bible isn’t a book you read and set on the shelf. It’s God’s living Word, and you’ll spend a lifetime discovering its depth. Every chapter you read, every question you ask, and every truth you learn becomes another step toward knowing Him better.
So don’t worry about finding the perfect place to begin. Simply begin. Open His Word, ask Him for wisdom, and trust Him to guide you one page at a time.
Read it. Understand it. Live it.
Sources and Further Reading
GotQuestions.org. “What is the best way to start reading the Bible?” https://www.gotquestions.org/start-reading-Bible.html
The Bible Project. “How to Read the Bible” series. https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/