How to Read the Bible for Beginners

Published on 6 July 2025 at 17:19

How to Read the Bible for Beginners

By Glow Up Gospel✝️

We’ve all been there — holding the Bible for the first time, feeling overwhelmed. With 66 books, thousands of verses, and layers of meaning, it’s easy to wonder where to even begin. But reading the Bible is one of the most important things you can do to grow in your faith, deepen your understanding, and draw closer to God.

If you’re new to the faith — or just tired of the same old devotionals — here’s a simple, helpful layout to get you started reading the Bible one book at a time.

📖 Where to Start

I always recommend that new believers begin in the Gospels, which are the foundation of our faith. From there, move through the New Testament, and then work your way through the Old Testament.

The best Gospel to start with is John. While the other Gospels provide more structured, historical accounts of Jesus, John brings a deeply personal and emotional view of His life and mission. It’s a great introduction to who Jesus is and why He matters.

Along the way, I strongly suggest using a Bible commentary or study guide. Don’t just read — study. Ask questions. Write notes. Reflect on what you’re learning. You’ll be amazed at how much more you take away.

📚 Suggested Reading Order (My Personal Recommendation)

New Testament First

  • John

  • Matthew

  • Luke

  • Mark

  • Acts

  • Ephesians

  • Philippians

  • Galatians

  • Colossians

  • 1 & 2 Thessalonians

  • 1 & 2 Corinthians

  • James

  • Hebrews

  • 1 & 2 Peter

  • 1, 2, & 3 John

  • Jude

  • Romans (a deeper, complex book — read with guidance)

Then the Old Testament

  • Genesis

  • Exodus

  • Ecclesiastes

  • Song of Songs (recommended with guidance)

  • Proverbs

  • Psalms

  • Job

  • Joshua

  • Judges

  • 1 & 2 Samuel

  • 1 & 2 Kings

  • 1 & 2 Chronicles

  • Ezra

  • Nehemiah

  • Esther

  • Isaiah

  • Jeremiah

  • Lamentations

  • Ezekiel

  • Daniel

  • Hosea

  • Joel

  • Amos

  • Obadiah

  • Jonah

  • Micah

  • Nahum

  • Habakkuk

  • Zephaniah

  • Haggai

  • Zechariah

  • Malachi

Finish with Revelation

  • Revelation (read with guidance and apply everything you've learned so far)

Optional Deep Dive (If You’re Up For It!)

  • Leviticus

  • Numbers

  • Deuteronomy

✅ Tip: Start by reading one chapter a day. It’s manageable and gives you time to reflect. I’ve linked below to Bible study systems that help you take notes and digest what you’re reading.

🔁 Alternative Reading Plan for Seasoned Christians

If you’ve been following Jesus for a while and want something fresh, I suggest trying a chronological plan that gives you a big-picture view of the Bible. This plan highlights key passages from both the Old and New Testaments in the order events occurred.

I’ve personally been using a plan adapted from a 365-Day Devotional Study Bible. I’ll link to it below. 

Images below show plan: 

🧠 Don’t Just Read — Learn How to Study

No matter where you start or what plan you use, understanding what you’re reading is crucial. It’s possible to read the Bible and miss the message entirely if we’re not careful.

Make use of tools that help you:

  • Grasp the context

  • Apply what you learn

  • Avoid common misunderstandings

Reading the Bible is how we grow in our walk with Christ. It’s how we begin to understand His will, find peace in trials, receive encouragement, and fall more in love with our Creator, Savior, Lord, and Father.

Thanks for reading — and may your Bible journey be filled with discovery, clarity, and growth.

—

Glow Up Gospel

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