The short answer: start with the Gospel of John. Pick a readable translation, set a regular time, and read one short passage a day. Ask three questions: what does this show me about God, what does it show me about people, and what will I do about it? Then pray it back to God. Read with someone if you can. You do not need to understand everything to start. You just need to open it.
Why Read the Bible?
The Bible is how God speaks to us. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV). It is also how we come to know Jesus. John wrote his Gospel "so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31, ESV).
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
That is Psalm 119:105, ESV. The Bible does not show you every step of your life at once. It shows you the next one.
How the Bible Is Organized
The Bible is one story told in 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. The Old Testament tells of creation, the fall, God's covenant people Israel, and His promises of a coming King. The New Testament tells of Jesus, His death and resurrection, the early Church, and how to live as His followers. Jesus taught that the whole Bible points to Him (Luke 24:27).
Books are divided into chapters and verses. "John 3:16" means the book of John, chapter 3, verse 16. Most Bibles have a contents page, so it is fine to look things up.
Where Should a Beginner Start?
Do not start at Genesis and try to push through to Revelation. Many people stall in Leviticus. Start with Jesus.
- Week 1–3: the Gospel of John. 21 chapters, one a day. Meet Jesus, who He is and why He came.
- Week 4–5: the Gospel of Mark. The shortest Gospel, fast and full of action.
- Week 6–8: Acts. What happened after the resurrection and how the Church began.
- Then: Genesis. The beginning of the story: creation, the fall, and God's promise to Abraham.
- Alongside: a Psalm or a few Proverbs a day. Psalms teach you to pray. Proverbs teach everyday wisdom.
- Then: Romans. A clear explanation of the gospel and what it means for life.
Which Bible Translation Should I Use?
Choose one you can understand and will actually read. Common choices include the ESV (English Standard Version), the NIV (New International Version), the CSB (Christian Standard Bible), and the NLT (New Living Translation), which is especially easy to read. This site quotes the ESV. A free Bible app works well, but a paper Bible can help you focus without notifications.
A Simple Way to Read a Passage
- Pray first. Ask God to help you understand and obey.
- Read the passage slowly. A chapter or less is enough. Read it twice if it is short.
- Ask what it shows about God. His character, His promises, what Jesus does and says.
- Ask what it shows about people. About you, about others, about sin and need.
- Ask what you will do. One specific step for today. "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22, ESV).
- Pray it back. Thank God for what you read and ask for help to live it.
- Write one line down. A verse, a question, or your step. Over time, it becomes a record of what God has said to you.
Tips That Help Beginners Keep Going
- Same time, same place. Morning works for many people. Pick a time you can keep.
- Short and daily beats long and rare. Ten focused minutes most days will shape you more than one long session a month.
- Do not get stuck on hard parts. Write the question down and keep reading. Ask a pastor or mature believer later.
- Read with someone. Read the same chapter as a friend and text each other one thing you noticed. Or start a Bible study.
- Missed a day? Just keep going. Grace, not guilt. Pick up where you left off.
- Join a local church. Hearing the Bible taught each week will help you understand what you read.
Common Questions
Where should I start reading the Bible? Start with the Gospel of John, which was written so that readers would believe in Jesus and have life in His name (John 20:31). Then read Mark, Acts, Genesis, and Romans, with a Psalm or a few Proverbs alongside.
How do I read the Bible for beginners? Pray first, read one short passage slowly, ask what it shows about God and about people, decide on one thing to do, pray it back to God, and write one line down. Do it at the same time most days.
Which Bible translation is best for beginners? Choose one you can understand and will read. Many beginners use the NLT, NIV, CSB, or ESV. This site quotes the ESV.
How much of the Bible should I read a day? Start small: one chapter or less, about ten focused minutes. Reading a little most days builds a habit that lasts longer than reading a lot once in a while.
Open John. Read a little. Do what it says.
