Where Do I Start Reading the Bible? A Simple Guide for Beginners

Sarah Rybicki
Jun 14
4 min read

Have you ever opened a Bible, looked at its 66 books, and immediately felt overwhelmed?

You're not alone.

One of the most common questions asked by new believers, curious seekers, and even longtime Christians is:

"Where do I start reading the Bible?"

The Bible is the most widely read and influential book in history, yet many people struggle to know where to begin. With thousands of years of history, unfamiliar names, and different types of writing, it can feel intimidating at first.

The good news is that you don't need a theology degree to start reading God's Word.

You simply need a place to begin.

Why Reading the Bible Matters

The Bible isn't just a collection of ancient stories.

It's God's revelation of Himself to humanity.

Through Scripture, we learn:

Who God is
Who Jesus is
Why we need salvation
How to grow in faith
How to navigate life's challenges with wisdom

Reading the Bible isn't about checking a religious box. It's about developing a relationship with God.

The Biggest Mistake New Bible Readers Make

Many people start reading the Bible in Genesis and quickly become overwhelmed.

Others randomly open the Bible and hope a verse jumps off the page.

While God can certainly speak through any part of Scripture, having a simple roadmap can make the journey much easier.

Instead of starting at the beginning, start with the person at the center of the entire Bible:

Jesus Christ.

Start With the Gospel of John

If you're wondering where to start reading the Bible, I recommend beginning with the Gospel of John.

John was written so readers would know who Jesus is and believe in Him.

As you read, you'll discover:

Jesus' identity as the Son of God
His love for people
His teachings
His miracles
His death and resurrection

The Gospel of John isn't simply about learning facts.

It's about meeting Jesus.

Then Read the Gospel of Mark

After John, move on to the Gospel of Mark.

While John focuses heavily on who Jesus is, Mark focuses on what Jesus did.

Mark is fast-paced, practical, and shows readers what it means to follow Christ.

Together, John and Mark provide an excellent introduction to the life and ministry of Jesus.

Discover Wisdom in Proverbs and Psalms

Once you've spent time in the Gospels, continue with:

Proverbs

Proverbs provides practical wisdom for everyday life.

Topics include:

Relationships
Work ethic
Finances
Decision-making
Character

Many people find it helpful to read one chapter of Proverbs each day.

Psalms

Psalms teaches us how to pray honestly.

Whether you're experiencing joy, grief, fear, anxiety, or worship, you'll find your emotions reflected in the pages of Psalms.

Learn About the Early Church in Acts

The Book of Acts tells the story of what happened after Jesus' resurrection.

You'll discover:

The birth of the Church
The coming of the Holy Spirit
The spread of Christianity
The faithfulness of the early believers

Acts serves as a bridge between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament.

Build Your Foundation With Romans and

Ephesians

Once you've developed a basic understanding of Jesus and the early Church, dive into:

Romans

Romans explains:

Salvation
Grace
Faith
Sanctification

It's one of the clearest presentations of the Gospel in Scripture.

Ephesians

Ephesians teaches believers about:

Identity in Christ
Christian living
Spiritual growth
Spiritual warfare

Together, Romans and Ephesians provide a strong theological foundation for new believers.

Explore the Old Testament

After establishing a New Testament foundation, begin exploring the Old Testament.

Recommended starting points include:

Genesis

Learn about:

Creation
The Fall
Abraham
God's covenant promises

Exodus

Discover:

Deliverance
Moses
The Law
God's faithfulness

Additional Old Testament Books

Joshua
Ruth
Esther
Daniel

These books provide a strong overview of God's work throughout Israel's history.

What About Revelation?

Many people are eager to read Revelation first.

While Revelation is an important book, it makes much more sense after you've developed a foundation in the rest of Scripture.

Revelation is not primarily a book about fear.

It is a book about Jesus, hope, victory, and God's ultimate plan for redemption.

The Goal Is Relationship, Not Information

One of my favorite Hebrew words is YADA.

Yada means more than simply knowing facts.

It speaks of personal, relational, experiential knowledge.

The goal of reading the Bible isn't merely to learn information about God.

The goal is to know Him.

To walk with Him.

To grow in relationship with Him.

To yada Yahweh.

Need Help Getting Started?

That's exactly why I wrote: