Discovering the Best Places to Start Reading the Bible

The Bible is an amazing instructional book. It allows readers to pick it up and begin almost anywhere. Many people naturally start with Genesis, especially those who have never read the Bible before. They want to understand how and why they were created. However, starting at a random point in Scripture can be confusing for new believers. Genesis and the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) provide key context for understanding the rest of the Bible. They reveal the heart of God. Today, we will explore the best places to begin, based on expert suggestions.

Understanding the Structure of the Bible

The books of the Bible are grouped into two main categories: the Old Testament and the New Testament. From there, they are organized into subcategories that help us understand what each book is about:

• The Law:

- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

• The Gospels:

- Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

• History:

- Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Acts

• Wisdom/Poetry:

- Proverbs, Psalms, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes

• Prophecy:

- Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Revelation

• Letters:

- Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Philemon, Jude

Starting with the Gospels

GotQuestions.org recommends that readers start in the Gospels because all roads in the Bible lead to Jesus. They explain, “The Gospel of Mark is quick and fast-paced and is a good place to start. Then you might want to go on to the Gospel of John, which focuses on the things Jesus claimed about Himself. Mark tells about what Jesus did, while John tells about what Jesus said and who Jesus was… Reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) will familiarize you with Christ’s life and ministry.”

This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' life and teachings. It serves as a foundation for further exploration of Scripture.

The Value of Psalms and Proverbs

TheNIVBible.com also emphasizes the importance of beginning with the Gospels. They remind readers that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is unlike any other book. As one reads, they will discover new ways of living that challenge cultural beliefs and habits they’ve picked up along the way. Like others, they recommend beginning with the book of Mark.

FaithGateway.com suggests starting in the Gospels and the Psalms. They state, “These books tell the life story of Jesus Christ—His ministry, His teachings, His miracles, and His incredible acts of compassion and love. They provide a solid foundation for knowing Jesus and growing closer to Him.”

They also highlight the value of Proverbs, which contains 31 chapters packed with wisdom. With one chapter for each day of the month, Proverbs can be read daily throughout the year. This practice can help readers memorize and apply biblical wisdom.

A Slightly Different Recommendation

Across all these recommendations, one theme stands out — begin with the Gospels. While this is great advice, our recommendation differs, but only slightly. We suggest that new readers begin at the beginning — the book of Genesis. However, not the whole thing.

Why Start with Genesis?

We suggest reading only chapters 1 through 3 for now. These chapters showcase God's immense power, the creation of Adam and Eve, and the entrance of sin into the world. This is the whole reason we need a Savior. After Genesis, we encourage readers to move along to Mark, then John, followed by the Psalms and Proverbs.

Once these foundational texts are read, the rest of the Bible is open for exploration with confidence. Whenever you read Scripture, ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. This will help you understand what God is teaching you.

Trusting in the Lord

Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This verse serves as a gentle reminder that faith is a journey. Trusting in God will illuminate the path ahead.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting your journey through the Bible can be both exciting and overwhelming. By focusing on the Gospels and the foundational texts in Genesis, readers can build a solid understanding of their faith. Each step taken in reading Scripture brings new insights and deeper connections to God. Embrace this journey with an open heart and a willingness to learn.

References

GotQuestions Ministries. (n.d.). Where is a good place to start reading the Bible? GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/start-reading-Bible.html

McClure, L. (n.d.). Where to start reading the Bible, with verses and tips! FaithGateway.

The NIV Bible. (n.d.). Where should I start reading the Bible? The NIV Bible.

New International Version Bible. (2011). The NIV Bible. https://www.thenivbible.com (Original work published 1978)