Where to Start Reading the Bible: Practical Steps for Your Journey

By Isaac Beatty

Every Christian has had a point in their lives when they wonder where to start reading the Bible. With 66 books, 1,189 chapters, and 31,102 verses, it can feel overwhelming. So where should you start reading the Bible?

First, take a deep breath. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Job 32:8 reminds us, “But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.” Ultimately, the Lord grants us understanding of His Word as he works on our hearts.

Here’s the good news: there isn’t just one “right” way to read the Bible! As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” All of God’s Word is good and gifted to us, meaning that there is no correct or wrong way to start!

Still, some guidance can help. Here are a few tips to deepen your study and keep you focused as you dive into the Word!

Where to Start Reading the Bible

In Luke 24:27, Jesus explains that all of Scripture points to Him. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” The centerpiece and focal point of all Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments, is Jesus! Everything in the Bible points to, anticipates, or looks back at Jesus. 

If you’re wondering where to start reading the Bible, the Gospels, specifically the gospel of John, is a great place to begin. In John, we learn Jesus is the light of the world (John 8), the bread of life (John 6), the door of the sheep (John 10), the good shepherd (John 10), the resurrection and the life (John 14), the true vine (John 15), and the way, the truth and the life (John 14). John helps us get to know Jesus. And as you read more of the Bible, you will start to see how everything connects to Him.

What Order to Read the Bible

Let’s say you want to take on the whole Bible. In what order should you read it?

When you watch a play or movie, you learn more about the main character as the story unfolds. Similarly, God reveals Himself in stages throughout the drama of history recorded in the Bible. 

One profitable way to read the Bible is to follow the storyline of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. To lay the foundation, I would start at the beginning of the Bible with the first five books of the Old Testament. These books set the trajectory of God’s actions in history.

Following this, try alternating between the historical, prophetic, and wisdom literature in Scripture. For example, read 1 Chronicles, then a portion of the Psalms, and then Isaiah. Repeat the cycle through 2 Kings, Job, Jeremiah, and Hosea. This rhythm helps keep our eye on the storyline of Scripture. It shows how God’s message in the prophets and wisdom books spoke to God’s people in the days of the kings.

Once you reach the New Testament, you’ll see the story reach its climax through the life of Jesus. The four Gospels tell Jesus’ story, Acts shows the early church, the letters provide encouragement to early Christians, and Revelation gives us hope for Jesus’ return.

How to Read the Bible (Three C’s)

• With Context: In the words of Dr. Harmon, “The Bible was written for us, but not to us.” Each book of the Bible was written to a specific audience to teach them timeless truths about God and man. This means that it’s the job of the reader to ask, “What timeless truths about God and man are evident in this text that inform my life?”

• In Community: In Ephesians 3, Paul prays that God’s people would have the strength to comprehend with all the saints the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. This implies that we must seek to know God in community with other believers. This means you don’t have to figure out the Bible yourself! Read with others, participate in a Bible study, and glean from fellow Christians who have gone before us.

• With Consistency: Psalm 1:2 says, “Blessed is the man… whose delight is in the law of the Lord.” It’s hard, however, to delight in things that are unfamiliar and irregular. That’s why we must give ourselves a regular diet of intaking God’s Word. The more we digest it, the more we will delight in it.

The Storyline of Scripture

Whether you’re opening the Bible for the first time or have been reading for years, there is always something new to learn. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Reading Scripture increasingly shows us how big God is and how small we are. The storyline of Scripture proclaims the beauty of Jesus Christ. Reading the Scriptures on a regular basis teaches us to see God increasingly more for the greatness that He is. 

If you’re wondering where to start reading the Bible, remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all method. As long as you dig into God’s Word and strive to be more like Him every day, you are on the right path. Here’s your encouragement: Start somewhere!

If you would like more formal training in ministry and theology, check out Grace Theological Seminary’s programs that will equip you with the skills and resources to become a leader in ministry!

Isaac Beatty is the Coordinator for the Proclamation Project, a program empowered by the Center for Thriving Leaders. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Grace College and an M.Div. in Exegetical Studies from Grace Theological Seminary.