The simplest way to start reading the Bible is this: choose a translation you can follow, open a Gospel, and read one complete short passage in context. That is the heart of how to read the Bible, and you can begin today with a Bible you already own. A Scripture-inspired phone case from Christian Phone Cases can remind you of a verse you want to remember between readings.
Where to Start Reading the Bible and What Order to Follow
There is no required first book, but the Gospel of Mark is a good place to start reading the Bible. It is the shortest Gospel and offers a straightforward account of Jesus’ life and ministry. John is another option if you want to explore who Jesus is and what it means to believe in Him. If you prefer to begin with creation and follow the biblical story from its earliest events, start with Genesis.
Start with the Gospel of Mark
Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels, and it moves quickly through Jesus’ ministry, his death and his resurrection. That pace makes it a manageable first book for a beginner. Read it in sequence, one section after another, rather than hopping between isolated verses, so you can follow the story the way Mark tells it.
When You Might Choose John Instead
John gives particular attention to Jesus’ identity and what it means to believe in him. The Gospel states its own purpose: “that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31, KJV). It is another suitable starting point, especially if you want to explore those themes. Choose one Gospel and read it through in sequence.
A Suggested Reading Order for Beginners
Start with these four books, reading each one before moving to the next:
- Mark: a short account of Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection.
- Luke: a fuller account of Jesus’ life and teaching, including many of his parables.
- Acts: how the message about Jesus spread outward from Jerusalem after the resurrection.
- James: a short, practical letter on how faith shows up in actions and words.
If you choose John first, you can also continue with Luke, Acts and James.
After Mark, Luke, Acts and James, you could read Genesis to learn about creation and the beginnings of Israel’s story. You can also read Psalms alongside these books for prayers and songs about praise, grief, fear and trust.
You can also follow the books in their printed order or use a chronological plan that arranges readings around the sequence of events.
How to Read a Bible Passage and Understand It
Begin with a Bible you already own, or use a digital edition, and choose a translation you genuinely understand.
The New International Version (NIV) and New Living Translation (NLT) use modern English and can be good options for beginners. The example below uses the King James Version (KJV). If its older wording is unfamiliar, follow the passage in your preferred translation. If you want to remember a verse between readings, how to memorize Scripture explains techniques you can try.
Here is one worked example to follow through each step: Mark 1:14–20. The reference works like an address. Mark is the book, 1 is the chapter, and 14–20 means verses 14 through 20.
Read a Short Passage Slowly
Choose a complete paragraph or short section, and read it twice if you can. The second time often shows you things you missed in the first reading. Before you start, you might pause to ask God for understanding, then simply read. There is no daily quota to meet.
Here is Mark 1:14–20 (KJV):
14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
19 And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
Some words in the KJV may be unfamiliar: “straightway” means immediately, “forsook” means left behind, and “thence” means from there. John in verse 14 is John the Baptist; John in verse 19 is James’s brother.
Notice Who Is Speaking and What Is Happening
Start with what the passage actually says, before you decide what it means. In a story, notice the people and events. In a psalm, look for the feelings and imagery. In a letter, notice who is being addressed and what they are being taught.
| What the text says | |
| Who speaks | Jesus speaks in verse 15 and again in verse 17. |
| Who is listening | In verse 15, no listeners are named; Jesus is preaching in Galilee. In verse 17, Simon and Andrew. |
| What happens | Jesus preaches, then calls two pairs of brothers; all four leave their work to follow him. |
The passage says the fishermen followed immediately, but it does not explain everything behind their decision. You can record “Why did they leave so quickly?” as a question without inventing an answer.
Read the Surrounding Verses
One verse rarely stands alone, so look beyond the selected passage.
In Mark 1:9–13, Jesus is baptized and spends time in the wilderness before he begins preaching in Galilee. In Mark 1:21–28, right after the fishermen follow him, the people in Capernaum are astonished because “he taught them as one that had authority” (verse 22). Together, these sections show Jesus beginning His ministry: preaching about God’s kingdom, calling followers and teaching with authority.
Summarize What You Read and Respond
Try summing the passage up in a sentence or two: Jesus announces God’s kingdom and calls people to repent and believe. He then calls Simon, Andrew, James and John, who leave their work to follow him.
You could respond with a short prayer: “Jesus, help me understand your call to repent, believe and follow you.” Record anything you still do not understand, such as “What does repentance mean here?” You do not have to settle every question during one reading. If you want to keep notes, how to start Bible journaling explains ways to record your observations and questions.
A Simple Seven-Day Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
This starter plan uses seven consecutive short passages from the Gospel of Mark. The aim is not to finish Mark in a week. It is to begin reading attentively and to build a rhythm you can keep.
| Day | Passage | Observation question |
| 1 | Mark 1:1–13 | Who or what is mentioned as being with Jesus in the wilderness? |
| 2 | Mark 1:14–20 | What do Simon and Andrew do right after Jesus calls them? |
| 3 | Mark 1:21–28 | How do the people in the synagogue react to Jesus’ teaching? |
| 4 | Mark 1:29–39 | Where does Jesus go early in the morning, and what does he do there? |
| 5 | Mark 1:40–45 | What does the man with leprosy ask Jesus, and how does Jesus respond? |
| 6 | Mark 2:1–12 | What does Jesus say first to the man who was paralyzed? |
| 7 | Mark 2:13–17 | Where is Levi sitting when Jesus calls him, and how does he respond? |
When the week is done, simply keep going from Mark 2:18 and read on through the rest of the Gospel at the same unhurried pace.
How to Keep Reading When It Gets Difficult
If a passage is confusing, leave time to ask questions. If you miss a reading, resume where you stopped.
When You Do Not Understand a Passage
Reread it slowly first. Then check the translation notes or the short introduction to the book, since they often explain the setting. If it still feels unclear, ask a pastor or Bible study leader you trust. Write the unresolved question down so it does not get lost, and come back to it later.
When You Miss a Day or Have Little Time
Choose a short section you can read carefully, even if it contains only a few verses. There is no set number of chapters you need to finish each day.
If you miss a day, pick up where you left off and read the next passage. There is no need to double up and catch up. On busy days, an audio Bible lets you follow the same text while you walk, drive or fold laundry.
Keep Scripture Close Between Readings
Choose a line from the passage to reread later, remembering what the surrounding verses say. Scripture-inspired Bible phone cases can serve as an everyday reminder of what you have read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Study Bible to Start Reading?
No. A study Bible is optional, and a standard Bible or a digital edition is enough to begin. Study notes can be helpful, but they are editors’ explanations and interpretations, rather than part of the biblical text.
Can I Read the Bible If I Am Still Exploring Christianity?
Yes. You can begin reading whether you are a Christian or are still exploring what Christians believe. Jot down any unfamiliar terms as you meet them, and ask someone knowledgeable when you would like help understanding them.
Do I Have to Read the Bible from Beginning to End?
No. You can begin with a Gospel and follow a suggested route. Reading a book in sequence helps you follow its message, but you can also read selected passages, provided you consider their surrounding context.
