For many people interested in learning more about the Bible, knowing where to start can seem like a daunting task. With 66 books and thousands of pages, the Bible is a massive book with a complex narrative. However, there are several good places for new readers to begin that provide an accessible introduction to the overall story and message of Scripture.
The Gospels
One of the best places to start reading the Bible is with the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books specifically tell the story of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, death and resurrection. Since Jesus is the central figure of the entire Bible, the Gospels provide a natural starting point for understanding the big picture Biblical narrative.
The Gospels introduce readers to the person of Jesus and the core teachings of Christianity in a direct, approachable way. Through parables, sermons, conversations and stories we learn about who Jesus claimed to be and what he taught regarding God’s kingdom. The Gospels also lay the historical foundation for Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection – the central events of Christianity.
While the four Gospels have many similarities, they each offer unique perspectives and details about Jesus’ life and ministry. According to early church history, Matthew and John were written by disciples who traveled closely with Jesus, while Mark stemmed from Peter’s preaching and Luke from Paul’s ministry companion. The different vantage points help give a well-rounded understanding of Jesus.
The Gospel of John in particular provides an ideal starting point. John expressly states his purpose is demonstrating Jesus is the Christ 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). The book’s simplicity, focus on belief, and powerful witness to Christ’s divinity make it very accessible.
Overall, the Gospels ground the rest of the Bible in the life and revelation of Jesus Christ. New readers are wise to start with one or all of the four accounts before moving on to the rest of the Bible.
Genesis
After the Gospels, Genesis is another excellent place to start reading Scripture. As the first book, Genesis launches the grand Biblical narrative by chronicling the creation of the world, humanity’s rebellion into sin, and God’s unfolding plan of redemption.
Genesis opens with majestic accounts of God speaking creation into existence, crafting humanity in His image, and establishing the Sabbath rest. We then see the tragedy of Adam and Eve’s disobedience and how sin entered the world through their mistrust of God’s goodness. This sets up the need for redemption as God graciously clothes Adam and Eve after their sin and promises a descendant who will crush the serpent.
The rest of Genesis traces the origins and development of God’s chosen people Israel. We read fascinating stories about figures like Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Through them, God forms a people out of whom the promised Redeemer will one day come. Genesis closes with the Israelites living under oppression in Egypt, setting the stage for Exodus.
As the foundation for God’s redemptive plan, Genesis provides critical background for understanding the rest of the Bible. New readers gain perspective on human nature, God’s promise to redeem creation, His selection of Abraham and Israel, and the roots of the Israelite nation. Starting with Genesis gives helpful context for God’s people and purposes.
Psalms & Proverbs
While the Gospels and Genesis form a narrative starting point, the poetic and wisdom books also offer excellent introductory reading. Psalms and Proverbs provide practical theology and wise principles for living in right relationship to God and others.
As the hymnbook and prayer guide of the Bible, Psalms models raw, honest expressions of faith. Through praise, lament, thanksgiving and confession, the psalmists engage with timeless spiritual struggles and joys. Psalms provides a template for authentic connection with God. We learn to voice sorrow, anger, doubt, awe and gratitude before our Creator.
Proverbs is likewise deeply practical. Through pithy sayings, it teaches wisdom for right relationships, integrity, honesty, justice, generosity, and self-control. Verses cover everything from family to business ethics to cultivating a prudent life. Proverbs especially highlights the fear of the Lord – humble awe of God – as the foundation for true wisdom.
Together, Psalms and Proverbs form the heart of the wisdom literature. They apply theology to real world living and relationship with God. For new Bible readers, Psalms and Proverbs teach how Scripture connects to our inner lives, outward actions and connection to the divine. The vivid emotions of the Psalms and practical life advice in Proverbs provide an accessible window into Biblical faith.
The Rest of the Old Testament
After starting with Genesis, new readers may want to read through the rest of the Old Testament (also called the Hebrew Bible) in its natural order. This provides helpful narrative context for the full revelation of Scripture.
The Pentateuch – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy – explains God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt through Moses. It establishes God’s covenant with His people, including extensive laws and instructions for living. Joshua through Esther tell the historical story of Israel settling into and struggling to maintain the Promised Land. These books record the ups and downs of Israel’s tenuous relationship with God as they fall into idolatry and are disciplined through invasion and exile. God sends prophets and judges to guide His people back to faithfulness.
Next, the poetic books – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs – provide reflection on living wisely before God. These wrestle with suffering, passion, injustice, meaninglessness, and love through poetic and reflective writing.
Finally, the prophetic books – Isaiah through Malachi – contain God’s rebukes and exhortations to Israel through the prophets. These blazingly honest books call God’s people away from sin and point to future redemption through the Messiah. The Old Testament closes with anticipation of reconciliation between God and humankind.
Reading through the Old Testament narrative provides helpful context for the promises, failures, longings and redemptive plans at the heart of God’s revelation to Israel. We see God’s faithfulness even amidst human sin. The richness of the prophets and poetic books comes to life against this historical backdrop.
The Rest of the New Testament
After reading the Gospels, new Bible readers can dive into the rest of the New Testament. Acts through Revelation complements the Gospels by showing how Jesus’ followers established the early Christian church.
Acts chronicles the apostles’ Ministries, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and early Christian expansion beyond Jerusalem. Letters from church leaders – Romans through Jude – provide theological foundations and practical guidance for living out the Gospel. Revelation culminates the New Testament with mysterious prophetic visions about Christ’s future defeat of evil.
These books expand on Jesus’ teachings and apply them to specific communities and problems. We see the revolutionary power of Christ’s way of servanthood and sacrifice lived out through human vessels. The authors wrestle with implications of following Jesus in real social settings.
Reading the New Testament epistles in tandem with the Gospels enriches understanding by connecting Jesus’ life and teachings directly to the early church’s struggles and growth. We get a well-rounded picture of how Christ’s truth challenged assumptions within Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures.
Where is the Central Message?
Though the Bible is a collection of 66 unique books, an overarching narrative and message ties it together. The central story tells of God’s good creation going wrong through human sin and God’s powerful act of redemption through Christ. Restoration through the death and resurrection of Jesus is foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament and fully realized in the New Testament.
Genesis 3 introduces human rebellion forcing separation between God and humans. God’s grief and grace is immediately evident as he seeks out Adam and Eve after their betrayal. Through the Old Testament God forms a people, Israel, through whom the redeemer Jesus will enter the world. The Gospels bear witness to Jesus as God in human form – Immanuel – who sacrifices himself to atone for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). The New Testament letters unpack the theological and practical implications of Jesus’ life and Lordship.
The Bible is fundamentally the story of a loving Creator redeeming humanity and defeated evil through His Son’s life, death and resurrection. This gospel – good news – of restoration and redemption forms the central message conveyed through the Bible’s diverse books.
Tips for Reading
As you embark on reading the Bible, here are some tips to enrich your learning:
- Pray before you read, asking God to speak to you through His word
- Read a short passage slowly, even several times, before moving on
- Make notes of questions, observations, connections to your own life
- Consider reading a study Bible or getting a commentary to better understand context
- Join a Bible study group to read with others
- Experiment with different translations to find one you connect with
- Immerse yourself in the text; imagine yourself there amidst the scenes
- Approach humbly, willing to challenge your assumptions and be changed
The Bible is a profound, enriching book offering insight and transformation to every reader. Starting with the Gospels and branching out provides a solid framework to begin engaging with Scripture. The Holy Spirit will guide you deeper into truth and wisdom through God’s word. Be encouraged that though the Bible is complex, its central message of redemption is clear and accessible to all who seek truth.
