The Bible is one of the most widely read and transformative books in history, but its sheer size and depth can feel overwhelming for beginners. With 66 books written over centuries by various authors, knowing where to start can be tricky. This guide will help you find a starting point that fits your needs and enables you to grow spiritually.


Why Choose a Starting Point?

The Bible isn’t like a typical book you read from start to finish. It’s a collection of books written in different genres, such as history, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Depending on your goals—whether it’s understanding Jesus’ teachings, learning about God’s promises, or gaining wisdom—some books of the Bible may resonate more than others.


Popular Starting Points

Here are a few tried-and-true places where many people begin reading the Bible:

1. The Gospel of John

  • Why Start Here: The Gospel of John focuses on Jesus’ life and teachings, emphasizing His love and the path to salvation. It’s written in a way that’s easy for new readers to understand.
  • Key Verses to Know:
    • John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
    • John 8:12: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life."

2. Genesis

  • Why Start Here: The first book of the Bible, Genesis, lays the foundation for everything. It explains the world's creation, humanity's fall, and God’s covenant with His people.
  • What to Expect: You’ll encounter familiar stories like Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, and Abraham’s journey of faith.

3. Psalms

  • Why Start Here: The Psalms are filled with prayers and songs that express a wide range of human emotions, from joy to sorrow. They’re perfect for those looking for encouragement and comfort.
  • Key Verse: Psalm 23:1-2: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures."

4. Proverbs

  • Why Start Here: If you want practical wisdom for daily living, Proverbs is an excellent choice. It’s filled with short, powerful insights that apply to every area of life.
  • Key Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."

Tips for Beginners

Reading the Bible can be an enriching experience if you approach it with the right mindset. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to read an entire book in one sitting. Start with a few chapters or even a few verses a day.
  • Pray First: Before reading, ask God to help you understand His Word and show you how it applies to your life.
  • Use a Modern Translation: Translations like the New Living Translation (NLT) or the English Standard Version (ESV) make the Bible easier to read and understand.
  • Take Notes: Write down questions, thoughts, or verses that stand out to you.
  • Use a Study Guide: A study Bible or devotional guide can help explain difficult passages and provide helpful context.

What to Avoid

Some parts of the Bible can be challenging for new readers, so it’s okay to save them for later:

  • Leviticus and Numbers: These books focus on Old Testament laws and censuses, which can feel dry or confusing without a prior understanding of the Bible’s overarching story.
  • Revelation: The final book of the Bible is filled with symbolic language and prophetic visions. It’s better suited for readers who have a good grasp of other parts of Scripture.

A Sample Reading Plan

If you’re still unsure where to start, try this simple plan:

Day Book Suggested Chapters Focus
1 John 1-3 Learn about Jesus' life and mission.
2 Genesis 1-3 Discover God’s creation and humanity’s fall.
3 Psalms 23, 46, 91 Reflect on God’s comfort and protection.
4 Proverbs 1-3 Gain wisdom for daily life.
5 Romans 1-3 Understand grace and salvation.

This plan provides a well-rounded introduction to the Bible through narratives, poetry, and practical wisdom.


Final Thoughts

Starting to read the Bible is a journey, not a race. Whether you begin with John, Genesis, or Psalms, the most important thing is to take time to reflect on what you’re reading and allow God to speak to you through His Word. The Bible promises, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). Let it guide you as you grow in faith.

Tagged: Bible Study

Read God's Word - Know Jesus, Savior and Friend

Romans 3:23

for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8

But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Designs

Romans 10:13

For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

You shall seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.