Where Should I Start Reading the Bible?
Opening the Most Important Book
Opening the Bible for the first time can feel overwhelming.
Sixty-six books. Ancient history. Deep theology. Strange names and unfamiliar places.
Where do you even begin?
The good news is: you don’t have to start at page one like a regular book.
The Bible is a collection of different kinds of writings — history, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, letters — all woven together by a single, powerful story: God’s love for humanity.
In this guide, we'll show you where to start reading the Bible depending on your goals, your background, and what you're seeking.
Whether you’re curious about Jesus, craving encouragement, or wanting to understand the big picture, you’ll find a starting place that opens the door to a life-changing journey.
Start with the Heart — The Gospels
Meet Jesus First
If you’re new to the Bible, the best place to start is with Jesus Himself.
The four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — tell the story of Jesus’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection.
These books are the heart of the Christian faith and the clearest window into God’s character.
Here’s a quick guide to the Gospels:
John:
Emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus.
Written with seekers and believers in mind.
Simple yet profound — perfect for starting your Bible journey.
Mark:
The shortest Gospel.
Fast-paced, action-packed.
Great if you prefer a straightforward, energetic introduction to Jesus.
Luke:
Written by a physician, Luke provides a detailed, compassionate, and orderly account.
Focuses on Jesus’s miracles, parables, and care for the marginalized.
Matthew:
Highlights how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies.
Especially meaningful if you’re familiar with Jewish traditions or the Old Testament.
Why start here?
Because understanding Jesus — who He is, what He taught, and what He did — unlocks the meaning of the entire Bible.
Key Sources: Reddit Discussion on Bible Starting Points, The Brand Sunday Blog
The Story Continues — Acts of the Apostles
Faith in Action
After reading about the life of Jesus, the natural next step is to see what happened next.
That’s exactly what the book of Acts gives us.
Acts tells the exciting story of:
The early Church’s formation after Jesus’s resurrection.
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
The missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and others.
How the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world — despite persecution and opposition.
Reading Acts helps you see how Jesus’s teachings were lived out, how ordinary people became bold witnesses, and how the movement that would become Christianity took root.
If the Gospels introduce you to Jesus, Acts shows you what living for Jesus looks like.
Key Source: Rooted Ministry Guide – First Books for Young Christians
Foundations of Everything — Genesis
The Beginning of the Big Story
Once you've met Jesus and seen the early Church in action, it’s powerful to step back and look at the bigger story — and that starts in Genesis.
Genesis lays the groundwork for the entire biblical narrative:
Creation of the world by a good and loving God.
The Fall — how sin and brokenness entered creation through human disobedience.
God’s promises to Abraham and the birth of a covenant people.
Genesis is full of epic beginnings — creation, family, faith, failure, and the first glimpses of redemption.
Tip:
Some people prefer to read Genesis after the Gospels and Acts because it makes more sense once you understand who Jesus is and why He came.
Genesis will help you see that the story of salvation wasn’t a reaction — it was God's plan from the very start.
Key Sources: OpenTheBible.org – Starting Bible Reading
Letters to Live By — The Epistles
Theology Made Practical
After encountering Jesus in the Gospels and seeing the Church launched in Acts, the next natural step is to dive into the Epistles — the letters written to early Christians.
These letters, especially by the Apostle Paul, explain:
What it means to follow Jesus day by day.
The heart of Christian theology — salvation, grace, faith, hope, and love.
How believers should live in community, marriage, work, and trials.
Great epistles for beginners include:
Romans: A deep but clear explanation of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians: Full of encouragement and identity in Christ.
Philippians: A letter about joy and strength, even in suffering.
Colossians: Focuses on Jesus’s supremacy and practical Christian living.
Why read the Epistles?
Because they help you connect the big story of the Bible to your everyday life.
Key Source: Deeper Christian Bible Study Resources
Wisdom and Worship — Psalms and Proverbs
Heart and Hands Together
Alongside reading stories and teachings, it's powerful to nourish your soul with wisdom and worship.
That's where Psalms and Proverbs shine.
Psalms: A book of prayers, songs, and laments.
When you’re happy, hurting, confused, or overwhelmed, there’s a psalm that speaks your heart.
Psalms teach you how to pray honestly and trust deeply.
Proverbs: A book of practical, memorable wisdom.
Short sayings about choices, speech, relationships, work, and integrity.
Proverbs is like God’s practical guidebook for living wisely in everyday life.
Tip:
Many people love reading one psalm and one proverb a day alongside their main Bible reading to stay spiritually grounded.
Key Source: FaithGateway Bible Study Tips
Tips for a Meaningful Start
How to Read the Bible Well
Starting your Bible journey isn't about rushing through pages — it’s about building a relationship with God through His Word.
Here are some key tips to help you:
Start small and slow:
Read a chapter or even just a few verses a day.
Take time to savor, reflect, and pray over what you read.
Pray before reading:
Ask God for wisdom, understanding, and an open heart.
Scripture isn’t just information — it’s transformation.
Use study tools:
Helpful resources like commentaries, study Bibles, and Bible dictionaries can clarify difficult passages and enrich your study.
Write down insights:
Keep a journal to capture what you’re learning, questions you have, and personal reflections.
Be flexible:
Follow where the Spirit leads. It’s okay to move between different books or topics as needed.
Join a study group:
Community makes the Bible come alive. Learning and discussing with others strengthens understanding and builds faith.
Key Sources: ChurchofJesusChrist.org Bible Study Tips, Navigators Bible Study Tools
Recap — Best First Steps into the Bible
Simple Roadmap for New Readers
1. Meet Jesus John or Mark (Gospels) Discover Jesus’s life and message
2. See faith in action Acts Early Church and spread of faith
3. Understand the story Genesis Creation, Fall, and God's promises
4. Grow deeper Romans, Ephesians, Philippians Christian theology and daily Christian living
5. Find wisdom and comfort Psalms and Proverbs Prayer, praise, and practical wisdom
Your Bible Journey Begins
Starting to read the Bible is one of the most personal, life-giving decisions you can make.
Remember:
It’s okay to start small.
It’s okay to ask questions.
It’s okay to go slow and explore.
The Bible isn’t just an ancient book — it’s a living conversation with God.
Every time you open its pages, you’re stepping closer to His heart.
Your journey begins now.
And you don’t walk it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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No. Unlike a regular book, the Bible isn’t meant to be read straight through from Genesis to Revelation. Starting with the Gospels — like John or Mark — is often the best first step to understanding the heart of the Bible: Jesus Christ.
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The Gospel of John is highly recommended because it’s clear, focuses on Jesus's divinity, and speaks directly to both seekers and believers. Mark is also a great choice for its short, action-driven style.
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You can, but it’s usually better to start with the New Testament (Gospels) to understand Jesus’s life and mission. Afterward, reading Genesis will make much more sense within the full story of God's plan.
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There’s no set rule. It’s better to read small portions thoughtfully (a chapter or even a few verses) than to rush. Let the words sink in and reflect on what they mean for your life.
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Easy-to-read translations like the New Living Translation (NLT) or the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) are excellent for beginners. They’re accurate but also smooth and accessible for modern readers.
Join our Journey: Your Turn to Start!
Are you ready to take your first step into the Bible?
👉 Pick one book — maybe John, Mark, or Psalms — and start small.
👉 Reflect on what stands out.
👉 Don’t rush — enjoy the journey of discovering God’s story.
Have questions? Need help choosing where to start?
Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments —
Let's walk this journey together!
