How to Start Reading the Bible (Even If You've Never Opened One)
The Bible is the most published book in history, yet many people find it intimidating. Where do you start? How do you make sense of it? What if you don't understand it?
Take a breath. It's simpler than you think.
Don't Start at the Beginning
This might surprise you, but Genesis through Leviticus is one of the hardest places to start. Instead, try one of these:
Option 1: Start with John. The Gospel of John tells the story of Jesus in the most accessible way. It answers the fundamental question: who is Jesus?
Option 2: Start with Psalms. If you're going through something emotional, the Psalms are raw, honest prayers that feel remarkably modern.
Option 3: Start with Proverbs. If you want practical wisdom for daily life, Proverbs delivers in bite-sized portions.
How to Actually Read It
1. Start small. Read one chapter a day. That's it. Don't try to read the whole Bible in a month.
2. Use a readable translation. The BSB, ESV, or NLT are all excellent for everyday reading. Don't start with King James unless you love Shakespeare.
3. Ask three questions:
- What does this say? (Observation)
- What does it mean? (Interpretation)
- What does it mean for me? (Application)
4. Read with others. A reading plan with friends or a small group makes the Bible come alive through discussion.
5. Don't worry about understanding everything. You don't need to understand every verse to benefit from the ones you do.
Quick Bible Overview
- Old Testament (39 books): History of God's relationship with Israel
- New Testament (27 books): Life of Jesus and the early church
- The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John): The story of Jesus
- The Letters (Romans through Jude): Teaching for how to live as a follower of Jesus
Common Myths
- "I need to read it in order." — No. Jump around. Follow your interest.
- "I need a study Bible." — Helpful but not required. A plain Bible is plenty.
- "If I don't understand it, I'm doing it wrong." — Scholars spend lifetimes studying these texts. You're doing fine.
Faithline offers guided reading plans for every level — from "never touched a Bible" to "ready for deep study." Try one today.