Where to Start Reading the Bible
Are you new to reading the Bible? If you are, then you may be wondering where you should start.
After all, the Bible is a large book with many different stories and teaching.
How do you know where to begin? Where to start reading the Bible? What books of the Bible should I read first?
As a Christian, the Bible is central to my faith.
I believe that it is the word of God, and it contains everything that I need to know about how to live my life.
When I am struggling with a decision or feeling lost, I turn to the Bible for guidance.
However, I understand that not everyone has the same relationship with the Bible as I do.
For some people, the Bible can be intimidating and overwhelming.
If you are new to the Bible or are thinking about starting to read it, this article is for you.
In this article, I will share some tips on where to start reading the Bible.
The Bible is a unique book.
It is like no other book ever written.
It has been translated into more languages than any other book.
It has been read by more people than any other book.
The Bible has also been the most misunderstood book ever written.
People have all sorts of ideas about what the Bible is and what it isn’t.
Some people think the Bible is a dull, boring book that is full of rules and regulations.
Others think the Bible is a book of fairy tales, full of magical stories that are not really true.
The truth is, the Bible is neither of those things.
The Bible is actually a very exciting book!
It is a book about real people who lived in real times and faced real problems.
It is a book about God and his love for us.
It is a book that can change our lives if we let it.
So, where should you start reading the Bible?
Should I start reading the Bible from the beginning?
Don’t start at the beginning
I’ve found that many people who try to read the Bible from beginning to end get bogged down in the Old Testament.
For instance, I’ve had people tell me they read Genesis and Exodus and then got to Leviticus and just couldn’t get through it. So, they quit.
Why?
Because the first few books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) are mostly a recitation of laws, regulations, and stories.
And while that is important information, it can be pretty dry reading if you don’t know what it all means.
Can I be totally honest with you?
There’s no need to start at the beginning.
In fact, there are several good reasons why you shouldn’t.
For one thing, the Bible wasn’t meant to be read straight through from cover to cover.
It’s a collection of 66 different books written by dozens of different authors over a span of thousands of years.
Each book was written for a specific purpose and audience, and they don’t necessarily build on each other in a linear fashion.
As a result, starting from the beginning can be confusing and overwhelming.
In other words, the Bible is a library, not a novel.
And like any good library, there’s no one “right” way to use it.
You wouldn’t start reading at the first book on the shelf and work your way around the room, would you?
Of course not.
You would go to the section that interests you and start reading there.
The same is true of the Bible.
So because the Bible is a library, the best way to approach it is to pick and choose the books that interest you and start reading there.
That’s why I always tell people who are new to the Bible to start with the Gospels.
The Gospels are the heart of the Christian faith, and they provide a great introduction to the rest of the Bible.
Not only are they some of the easiest books to read, but they’re also where you’ll find the story of Jesus Christ – the central figure of Christianity.
And once you’ve read the Gospels, you’ll have a much better understanding of the rest of the Bible.
From there, you can explore the Old Testament or the New Testament (or both!) in more depth.
But starting at the beginning is not a requirement.
In fact, it’s often not the best approach.
So, what should you do instead?
Let’s take a look…
Where to start reading the Bible
1. The Gospel Of John
One of the best places to start reading the Bible is with the Gospel of John.
Why?
John was one of Jesus’ closest disciples, and he had a unique perspective on who Jesus was and what he came to accomplish.
The Gospel of John is also much different in style than the other Gospels.
While Matthew, Mark, and Luke focus on Jesus’ actions and words, John focuses on Jesus’ identity and purpose.
John also emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ.
As a result, readers can gain a better understanding of the Bible’s overall message by starting with the Gospel of John.
In addition, this Gospel includes some of the Bible’s most famous passages, such as John 3:16.
As a result, even people who are not familiar with the Bible can benefit from reading this Gospel.
In the verses of his Gospel, John says: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).
So, if your goal is to learn more about Jesus Christ and what he did, the Gospel of John is a great place to start.
It’s also one of the easiest Gospels to read, and it doesn’t require any prior knowledge of the Bible.
2. Ecclesiastes
I would encourage you to start reading the Bible with the book of Ecclesiastes.
It is one of the wisdom books of the Bible, and it deals with some of the big questions in life:
- what is the meaning of life?
- What is the best way to live?
- What is the nature of God?
These are important questions, and Ecclesiastes provides some helpful answers.
The book also has a lot of practical advice about how to live a good life.
For example, it says that we should enjoy our work, take time for rest and relaxation, and appreciate the simple joys in life.
So if you’re wondering where to start reading the Bible, I would recommend beginning with Ecclesiastes.
It’s a great book for new readers, and it will help you gain a better understanding of life and what it means to follow God.
3. The Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark is another great choice for people who are new to the Bible.
Mark was a close companion of the apostle Peter, and his Gospel gives us a firsthand account of Jesus’ ministry.
Mark’s Gospel is also shorter than the other Gospels, making it easier to read.
And like John, Mark focuses on who Jesus is and what he came to do.
Mark begins his Gospel by describing Jesus as the “Son of God” (Mark 1:1).
And throughout the book, Mark emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ.
For example, in Mark 9:23, Jesus says, “If you can? All things are possible for one who believes.”
So, if you’re looking for a Gospel that will help you understand more about who Jesus is and what he did, the Gospel of Mark is a great place to start.
4. Acts
After you read the Gospels and get to know Jesus, it’s important to see what happened next.
In Acts, you see the early Church being formed and the gospel spreading throughout the world.
You also get a glimpse into the persecuted life of Christians and how they responded with joy and courage.
This book is packed with inspirational stories and pivotal moments in Christian history, making it an essential read for anyone trying to understand the Bible.
5. Ephesians
If you want a book that is packed with wisdom and practical advice, then you can’t go wrong with Ephesians.
This New Testament book was written by the Apostle Paul, who was one of the most influential figures in early Christianity.
In it, he offers advice on everything from how to live a godly life to how to resolve conflict within the church.
Whether you’re a new Christian or a seasoned veteran, you’re sure to find something of value in this powerful book.
So why not make Ephesians your next stop on your journey through the Bible? You won’t be disappointed.
6. Galatians
The book of Galatians is a great choice for those who are new to the Bible or struggling with their faith.
In this book, Paul addresses some of the biggest issues that Christians face, including how to live in accordance with God’s will and how to combat temptation.
By delving into these topics, readers can gain a better understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Additionally, the book of Galatians provides encouragement and hope for those who are struggling in their faith journey.
For all these reasons, the book of Galatians is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to start reading the Bible.
7. Romans
Romans is a great place to start reading the bible.
It was written by the Apostle Paul, and it tells the story of how God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins.
In Romans, Paul explains how we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
He also talks about how we are justified by faith and how we are made righteous in God’s eyes.
Additionally, Romans contains some of the most famous verses in the bible, such as John 3:16-17.
These verses tell us how much God loves us and that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life.
8. Philippians
Philippians is one of the most frequently quoted books in the New Testament, so it is worth becoming familiar with it.
Whether you read the Bible for guidance, inspiration, or simply for enjoyment, starting with Philippians is a great way to begin your journey.
And the message of Philippians is relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Not to mention, Philippians is a very concise book, so it’s easy to get through in a short amount of time.
The best part is that this book is packed with powerful verses that can provide strength and encouragement in difficult times.
For example, Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This is just one of the many verses in Philippians that can provide comfort and hope in the midst of trials and tribulations.
So, if you’re looking for a book that is both inspiring and easy to read, then you can’t go wrong with Philippians.
9. Proverbs
When it comes to wisdom, there is no better book in the Bible than Proverbs.
This book is full of advice on everything from how to live a godly life to how to make good decisions.
The book of Proverbs is also a great choice for those who want to learn more about the character of God.
In addition, Proverbs contains many memorable verses that are sure to stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
For instance, Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
This is just one of the many verses in Proverbs that can provide guidance and wisdom in our everyday lives.
10. Genesis
Genesis is the first book of the Bible, and it tells the story of creation and the early history of humanity.
In Genesis, we read about how God created the world and how He created human beings in His image.
We also learn about the fall of man and how sin entered the world.
But that’s not all.
Genesis also contains the stories of some of the most famous people in the Bible, including Noah, Abraham, and Isaac.
These stories provide valuable lessons on faith, obedience, and trust.
For all these reasons, Genesis is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to start reading the Bible.
It’s packed with history, wisdom, and stories that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Despite being the first book of the Bible, Genesis is still a great choice for anyone who wants to start reading the Bible.
It contains many important stories and themes that are relevant to our lives today.
Final thoughts on where to start reading the Bible
No matter where you start reading the Bible, you are sure to find guidance, wisdom, and comfort.
But if you’re unsure of where to begin, then these ten books are a great place to start.
Each one contains valuable lessons that can help us in our everyday lives.
So, don’t be afraid to pick up a copy of the Bible and start reading today.
You may just find that it’s the best decision you’ve ever made.