Where to Start Reading the Bible

Starting to read the Bible can feel like stepping into a vast and ancient library, where each page seems to hold mysteries, guidance, and life-changing wisdom. Many people, from seekers to seasoned believers, approach the Bible with curiosity and hope, drawn by its reputation as a spiritual anchor and a source of timeless truth. But let’s face it—opening the Bible for the first time can also feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? How do you make sense of so many stories, laws, prophecies, and teachings?

If you’re feeling a bit daunted, know that you’re not alone. The Bible isn’t a single story with a straightforward beginning, middle, and end. Instead, it’s a beautiful collection of diverse writings—poetry, historical accounts, parables, letters, and more—that spans thousands of years and reflects the lives of people across various cultures and backgrounds. Each book and passage holds unique meaning, and many parts resonate deeply with different people at different stages in their lives.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, answers, comfort, or simply a quiet space to reflect, the Bible can offer all that and more. And here’s some good news: you don’t have to read it cover-to-cover to get started. In fact, beginning with certain books and passages can make your introduction to the Bible more accessible and impactful. Think of it as choosing the “front door” to enter this grand library in a way that best suits you.

This article will guide you through some practical starting points, along with tips to help you build a meaningful relationship with the Bible. By finding a place to start that feels right for you, you can take the first step toward making Bible reading a valuable and enriching part of your life—one that grows with you over time.

Why Choosing a Starting Point Matters

Starting to read the Bible is a bit different than picking up a typical book. While most books follow a clear storyline or sequence, the Bible is more like a grand collection, an anthology filled with varied styles, stories, and perspectives. It’s written over many centuries, by different authors, for different audiences, and for different reasons. For someone approaching it for the first time, it can feel as if you’re walking into a vast library with layers of history and insight waiting on every shelf.

Many people are surprised to find that the Bible isn’t just one unified story. Instead, it holds countless themes—hope, faith, courage, forgiveness, justice, love, and more—woven across different genres like poetry, history, personal letters, and prophecy. Each part serves its own purpose and reflects the challenges, faith, and triumphs of people from vastly different times and places. Starting at the right place, then, can make a big difference in helping you connect with these messages and in easing you into this complex yet inspiring journey.

Overview of the Bible’s Structure

The Bible is divided into two main sections, each with its own unique focus and collection of writings:

• The Old Testament: This section, often called the Hebrew Scriptures, contains books written before the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins with the story of creation and humanity’s early history and goes on to trace the lives, struggles, and faith of the ancient Israelite people. There are books of law (like Leviticus and Deuteronomy), historical accounts (like Kings and Chronicles), wisdom literature (such as Psalms and Proverbs), and prophecies (like Isaiah and Jeremiah). These writings not only give insight into the cultural and spiritual history of Israel but also lay the foundation for many themes later picked up in the New Testament.
• The New Testament: This section begins with the Gospels, which recount the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The New Testament also includes letters from early Christian leaders, such as Paul, written to encourage and guide the early Christian communities. The final book, Revelation, is a prophetic vision filled with symbols that look toward the future. The New Testament builds on the Old Testament’s foundation but introduces a new focus on Jesus as a central figure and brings messages of love, salvation, and spiritual growth.

For new readers, understanding this structure is helpful. Knowing what’s contained in each part can give you a sense of where to start, what to expect, and why some books might be more beginner-friendly than others.

Common Challenges for New Readers

It’s natural to feel a bit lost or overwhelmed when first opening the Bible. Some books contain intricate historical accounts that seem far removed from modern life, while others feature poetic language that’s dense or symbolic and might take time to interpret. Even seasoned Bible readers sometimes find themselves puzzled by certain passages or challenged by the language and ideas presented.

This can be especially true if you dive into books with detailed laws or symbolic visions right away. Sections like Leviticus, which describes ancient Israelite laws, or Revelation, with its apocalyptic imagery, are undoubtedly rich in meaning but may feel inaccessible at first. Starting with parts of the Bible that are more narrative or that speak directly to personal faith can ease you into a reading routine, helping you get comfortable and confident before diving into the more complex sections.

Where to Start Reading the Bible

Deciding where to start in the Bible can shape your entire reading experience, especially if you’re new to its themes and structure. Here are some books and sections that many readers find accessible and inspiring, each offering a unique introduction to the Bible’s central messages and insights.

1. The Book of John (New Testament)

• Why Start Here: The Book of John is often recommended because it centers on the life and teachings of Jesus in a way that’s both straightforward and deeply meaningful. John’s approach is unique among the Gospels; it’s less focused on the chronological events of Jesus’s life and more on his identity and purpose. This book provides an inviting look at who Jesus is and what his teachings mean for personal faith.
• Key Themes and Highlights: John’s Gospel explores themes of love, light, truth, and eternal life, making it a powerful starting point for anyone interested in learning about Jesus’s message. Verses like John 3:16, which speaks of God’s love for the world, and John 14:6, where Jesus talks about being “the way, the truth, and the life,” are foundational for understanding Christianity.
• Approach to Reading: Take your time with each chapter, reflecting on the teachings and stories. The Book of John is perfect for journaling as you read, allowing you to explore personal insights and questions that arise from Jesus’s words.

2. The Book of Genesis (Old Testament)

• Why Start Here: Genesis is the first book of the Bible and lays out the foundation of many biblical themes. It opens with the creation story, introducing concepts of purpose, relationship, and humanity’s unique connection to God. Genesis also contains well-known stories, such as Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, Abraham’s journey, and Joseph’s trials.
• Key Themes and Highlights: Genesis addresses themes like faith, obedience, and God’s promises. The stories highlight humanity’s complex relationship with God and explore the choices, struggles, and hope that have shaped faith through the ages. Stories like the creation in Genesis 1-2 and Abraham’s faith journey in Genesis 12-25 set up key biblical concepts of God’s plan and humanity’s purpose.
• Approach to Reading: Genesis is rich in narrative and ideal for reading in sections. It’s helpful to focus on the overarching themes of each story rather than getting lost in the details. Pay attention to the lessons of faith and perseverance embedded in the lives of the main figures.

3. The Book of Psalms (Old Testament)

• Why Start Here: The Book of Psalms is a collection of prayers, songs, and reflections that can be comforting and relatable. It’s unique in that it captures raw human emotions—joy, sorrow, anger, fear, and hope—in direct conversation with God. The Psalms are often used as a devotional tool, helping readers connect personally with God in times of need or gratitude.
• Key Themes and Highlights: Themes in Psalms include trust in God, praise, protection, and seeking guidance. Well-loved Psalms like Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd…”) and Psalm 51 (a prayer for forgiveness) are commonly referenced for their poetic beauty and spiritual depth. These verses provide relatable prayers and praises that readers can connect to in their own lives.
• Approach to Reading: Psalms is suitable for daily reflection, as each chapter is relatively short. Many people enjoy reading a Psalm each morning or evening, using it as a way to reflect, pray, and center themselves. Since Psalms are poetic, they don’t need to be read sequentially—you can start with any chapter that speaks to you.

4. The Book of Proverbs (Old Testament)

• Why Start Here: Proverbs offers practical wisdom that applies to everyday life. Known as a book of wisdom literature, it provides insights on relationships, work, faith, and personal growth. Proverbs is highly readable, with verses and passages that are easy to apply to daily situations.
• Key Themes and Highlights: Themes include wisdom, humility, integrity, patience, and self-control. Verses like Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trusting in God, are often quoted for their clarity and relevance. Proverbs 31 is also well-known for describing the qualities of a virtuous life, making it relatable for those seeking guidance on character.
• Approach to Reading: Proverbs can be read slowly, one proverb or short passage at a time. Since the book is full of concise sayings, it’s great for readers looking to start with simple, practical takeaways. Many people read one chapter of Proverbs each day, as it has 31 chapters, making it perfect for a month-long reading habit.

Approaches to Bible Reading: Finding a Method That Works for You

With a general understanding of where to start, it’s also helpful to think about how you’ll approach reading the Bible. Different reading methods can provide structure, make the experience more meaningful, and help you engage with the text in a way that fits your goals and lifestyle. Here are several popular approaches to Bible reading that beginners find helpful.

1. The Narrative Approach

The Narrative Approach involves reading through the Bible’s story in chronological order. This method allows you to see how the events in the Bible connect, giving you a big-picture understanding of biblical history and the development of God’s relationship with humanity.

• Suggested Books: Start with Genesis, then move on to Exodus and other historical books like Joshua, Judges, and Samuel. Then, you can transition to the New Testament with the Gospels.
• Pros: This approach is beneficial for seeing the Bible as one continuous story. It highlights the themes of promise, covenant, and redemption that run through both the Old and New Testaments.
• Cons: Because it’s structured chronologically, you may encounter sections with detailed laws or genealogies early on, which can be challenging to read straight through.

2. The Thematic Approach

The Thematic Approach involves focusing on specific topics or themes across different books. For example, you might choose to study themes like faith, forgiveness, wisdom, or love, reading passages from various books that address each theme.

• Suggested Books: Psalms and Proverbs for themes of wisdom and praise; Matthew, John, and Romans for love and faith; and James or 1 Corinthians for guidance on practical Christian living.
• Pros: This approach allows you to dive deeper into concepts that interest you and helps you see how various biblical authors address similar themes.
• Cons: It can be a bit harder to get a sense of the Bible’s chronological structure, as you’ll be moving between books rather than reading sequentially.

3. The Devotional Approach

The Devotional Approach emphasizes a personal, reflective experience with the Bible, focusing on spiritual growth and daily application. It typically involves reading smaller sections, such as a chapter or even a few verses, and then meditating on their meaning and relevance.

• Suggested Books: Psalms, Proverbs, and the Gospels are ideal for devotional reading due to their accessible language and themes.
• Pros: This approach is excellent for building a consistent reading habit and allows you to apply spiritual insights in real-time. It’s less about quantity and more about quality, making it great for those with busy schedules.
• Cons: You might miss out on the larger narrative structure, as devotional reading is usually focused on short passages rather than entire books.

4. The Bible-in-a-Year Approach

This is a structured reading plan designed to help you read the entire Bible in one year, often through daily readings that include passages from both the Old and New Testaments.

• Suggested Books: Plans vary, but a typical Bible-in-a-Year plan covers multiple books simultaneously, so you’ll likely be reading from Genesis, Psalms, and a Gospel in a single day.
• Pros: You’ll get a balanced experience of both Testaments and a sense of accomplishment from reading the entire Bible. It’s also helpful for maintaining a steady, long-term habit.
• Cons: Reading several chapters each day can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to understand everything as you go. It may also be harder to retain detailed insights due to the pace.

5. The Verse-by-Verse Study Approach

This is a slower, more detailed approach focused on studying each verse carefully. It’s ideal for those who want to gain a deep understanding of the Bible’s language, historical context, and meaning.

• Suggested Books: Many people choose to start with the Gospels, like John or Luke, or New Testament letters like Romans and James, as they are dense with theology and personal application.
• Pros: You’ll gain a richer, more thorough understanding of the Bible, allowing you to absorb the teachings on a deeper level. This approach is often supplemented by study tools like commentaries and concordances.
• Cons: The pace is slow, so it will take significantly longer to cover large sections of the Bible. It’s a more intense method, suited for readers with time to invest in detailed study.

Conclusion

Starting a journey with the Bible is an enriching and personal experience, one that offers wisdom, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, knowledge, or guidance, the Bible provides a vast and varied landscape of stories, teachings, and insights that resonate with readers across generations.

Approaching this journey with an open heart, practical tools, and realistic expectations can make the Bible more accessible and enjoyable. Starting with manageable sections, cultivating consistency, and addressing challenges with patience can help transform Bible reading from a task into a rewarding, lifelong habit. Each step you take not only brings you closer to the text but also to a greater understanding of yourself and your faith.

Remember, this journey is uniquely yours. Take your time, savor the moments of insight, and enjoy the process of discovering the Bible’s profound messages. With each reading, you’ll find yourself gaining new perspectives, strength, and wisdom that can support and inspire you in your daily life.