How to Start Reading the Bible: A Guide for Beginners
If you're wondering how to start reading the Bible, you do not need to begin at Genesis or understand everything at once.
For most beginners, the Gospel of John or Mark is a helpful place to start because these books introduce Jesus, His teachings, and the foundation of Christian faith. Begin with one chapter at a time, choose a Bible translation you can understand, and focus on building a consistent habit rather than trying to read large sections quickly.
At Bethel Baptist Church, we believe Scripture helps people understand who God is, who Jesus is, and how faith shapes everyday life. Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time or returning to the Bible after time away, this guide will help you know where to begin.
How to Start Reading the Bible in 7 Simple Steps
- Choose a readable Bible translation — The NLT, NIV, and ESV are good options for beginners.
- Start with John or Mark — Both introduce Jesus and His teachings clearly.
- Read one chapter at a time — You do not need to cover large sections in one sitting.
- Set aside 5–10 minutes each day — Consistency matters more than quantity.
- Write down questions and observations — Keep a notebook or journal nearby.
- Pray before and after reading — Ask God for understanding and help applying what you learn.
- Learn with other Christians when you need help — A Bible study, church group, or trusted Christian mentor can help you understand difficult passages.
For additional Bible-centered teaching, you can also explore our recent sermons and Bible teaching.
Where to Start Reading the Bible for Beginners
One of the most common questions new readers ask is: Where should I start reading the Bible?
You do not have to start at Genesis and read straight through to Revelation. For many beginners, starting with a book that clearly introduces Jesus makes the Bible easier to understand.
A helpful starting order is:
- John — Learn who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to believe in Him.
- Mark — Read a shorter, fast-moving account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
- Acts — See what happened after Jesus' resurrection and how the early church began.
- Psalms — Read prayers, worship, encouragement, and honest expressions of faith.
- Proverbs — Explore practical wisdom for everyday life.
- Genesis — Understand creation, humanity's beginnings, and the foundation of the biblical story.
- Romans — Explore important Christian teachings about sin, grace, faith, salvation, and life in Christ.
You can move through these books at your own pace. The goal is not to finish quickly but to understand what you are reading.
What Book of the Bible Should I Read First?
For most beginners, I recommend starting with the Gospel of John.
John focuses clearly on who Jesus is and why faith in Him matters. It introduces major themes that appear throughout the rest of the New Testament and gives a new reader a strong foundation for understanding Christianity.
If you prefer a shorter and more action-focused book, start with Mark. Mark moves quickly through Jesus' ministry and is often easier for a first-time Bible reader to follow.
After John or Mark, Acts is a natural next step because it shows how Jesus' followers continued His mission and how the early Christian church developed.
What Is the Best Order to Read the Bible for the First Time?
There is no single required order for reading the Bible.
The Bible is a collection of books written in different historical periods and literary styles, so beginners often understand it better by following a reading order based on clarity rather than simply starting at page one.
A beginner-friendly order could be:
John → Mark → Acts → Psalms → Proverbs → Genesis → Romans
After that, you can continue into other Gospels, New Testament letters, historical books, and the rest of the Old Testament.
If you eventually want to read the entire Bible, you can follow a traditional Genesis-to-Revelation plan or use a chronological Bible reading plan. But for your first experience, understanding the central story and message matters more than following a strict sequence.
Should You Read the Bible From Beginning to End?
You can, but you do not have to.
Genesis is an important book, but someone completely new to Christianity may find parts of the Old Testament harder to understand without first knowing more about Jesus and the New Testament.
Starting with John or Mark can give you context that makes later books easier to understand.
If reading from Genesis to Revelation motivates you, there is nothing wrong with that approach. The key is finding a method that helps you keep reading and understand what you are learning.
Why Reading the Bible Matters
Reading the Bible is more than completing a reading goal. Christians read Scripture to learn about God's character, understand the life and teachings of Jesus, grow in faith, and apply biblical truth to everyday life.
The Bible addresses questions about purpose, relationships, forgiveness, suffering, hope, wisdom, faith, and how people relate to God.
You do not have to understand everything the first time you read it. Many passages become clearer as you become more familiar with the overall story of Scripture.
What Is the Bible? A Simple Overview for Beginners
The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by multiple authors across different periods of history.
It is divided into two major sections:
The Old Testament tells the story of creation, Israel, God's covenant relationship with His people, wisdom literature, poetry, and the prophets.
The New Testament begins with the life of Jesus and continues with the early church, Christian teaching, and letters written to early believers.
Although the Bible contains many different books and literary styles, Christians understand Scripture as telling one connected story about God, humanity, redemption, and Jesus Christ.
Choosing the Right Bible Translation
A translation that is easy for you to understand will make it much easier to build a regular reading habit.
Good options for beginners include:
- New Living Translation (NLT) — very readable and conversational.
- New International Version (NIV) — accessible while maintaining a balance between readability and accuracy.
- English Standard Version (ESV) — slightly more formal but popular for Bible study and teaching.
You do not need to find the “perfect” translation before beginning. Pick one you understand and start reading.
You can also compare translations later when a passage is difficult.
How Much of the Bible Should a Beginner Read Each Day?
Start small.
Reading one chapter or spending about 5–10 minutes each day is enough when you are beginning.
A smaller habit you maintain consistently is usually more helpful than reading several chapters one day and then stopping for weeks.
You could use a simple routine:
Read → Think → Write → Pray
Read a short passage, think about what it says, write down one observation or question, and finish with prayer.
How to Build a Bible Reading Routine
Choose a regular time and place that fits naturally into your day.
You might read:
- in the morning before starting work or school
- during a lunch break
- before bed
- while drinking coffee
- during a quiet part of the weekend
Keep your Bible, Bible app, or journal somewhere easy to access.
Try to return at roughly the same time each day until reading becomes part of your normal routine.
Tips for Understanding What You Read
Do not worry when you come across something confusing. Everyone does.
When a passage is difficult:
- Read it slowly a second time.
- Look at the verses before and after it.
- Write down your questions.
- Compare another Bible translation.
- Use a reputable study Bible or Bible overview resource.
- Ask a pastor, Bible-study leader, or mature Christian for help.
You can also listen to Bible-centered sermons that explain Scripture in a teaching context.
Should I Read the Bible Alone or With Other People?
Both approaches are valuable.
Reading by yourself gives you time to think, pray, and develop your own regular Bible-reading habit.
Studying Scripture with other Christians gives you opportunities to ask questions, hear different perspectives, and learn from people with more experience.
At Bethel, our Journey Groups provide opportunities to study, connect, and grow alongside other people.
What to Do When You Feel Stuck
Almost every Bible reader reaches sections they find difficult.
If that happens:
- Do not assume you are doing something wrong.
- Move to another book temporarily.
- Read a shorter passage.
- Write down questions to revisit.
- Ask someone for help.
- Use a study Bible or trusted Bible resource.
The goal is not to understand every verse immediately. Biblical understanding develops over time.
How Prayer Can Be Part of Bible Reading
Many Christians begin Bible reading with a short prayer asking God for wisdom, understanding, and a willingness to apply what they learn.
Prayer does not need to be complicated.
You might simply ask: “God, help me understand what this passage says and how I should respond to it.”
After reading, you can pray about something you learned, a question you still have, or an area of your life the passage made you think about.
Applying What You Read to Everyday Life
Bible reading becomes more meaningful when you move beyond simply collecting information.
As you read, ask:
- What does this passage teach me about God?
- What does it teach me about people?
- Is there an example to follow?
- Is there something I need to change?
- Is there a promise or truth I should remember?
- How can I apply this today?
You do not need to find a dramatic lesson in every chapter. Sometimes the most valuable step is simply understanding the passage more clearly.
Keep Growing in Your Understanding of the Bible
You do not have to study Scripture alone.
At Bethel Baptist Church, people at different stages of faith gather for Bible teaching, worship, prayer, and Christian community.
You can:
Explore Journey Groups →
https://www.meetbethel.org/groups
Listen to Recent Sermons →
https://www.meetbethel.org/sermons
Plan a Sunday Visit →
https://www.meetbethel.org/sundays
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What book of the Bible should a beginner read first?
The Gospel of John is a helpful starting point because it clearly explains who Jesus is and why faith in Him matters. Mark is another good choice for readers who prefer a shorter, faster-moving account of Jesus’ life and ministry.
What is the best order to read the Bible for the first time?
There is no single required order, but a beginner-friendly sequence is: John → Mark → Acts → Psalms → Proverbs → Genesis → Romans. This helps new readers understand Jesus, the early church, practical wisdom, and the larger biblical story before moving into more difficult sections.
Should I read the Bible from the beginning?
You can, but you do not have to start at Genesis and read straight through to Revelation. Many beginners find it easier to begin with John or Mark and then explore other books as their understanding grows.
What is the easiest Bible to read for beginners?
The New Living Translation (NLT) is one of the easiest translations to read because it uses clear, modern language. The New International Version (NIV) is also a good option for readers who want a balance between readability and accuracy.
How much of the Bible should a beginner read each day?
Start small. Reading one chapter or spending about 5–10 minutes each day is enough when you are beginning. Consistency is more important than trying to read large sections at once.
What if I don’t understand what I’m reading?
That is normal. Try reading the passage again, looking at the verses around it, comparing another translation, using a reputable study Bible, or asking a pastor, Bible-study leader, or mature Christian for help.
Do I need to be a Christian to start reading the Bible?
No. Many people read the Bible while exploring Christianity or asking spiritual questions. It can be a helpful way to learn about Jesus, Christian beliefs, and the message of Scripture.
Can I read the Bible on my phone?
Yes. Bible apps such as YouVersion, Bible Gateway, and translation-specific apps like ESV or NLT apps make it easy to read Scripture, compare translations, and follow reading plans on your phone.
