Bible ReaderHow to start reading the Bible
Where to start reading the Bible, how it is organised, a simple 30-day plan using the Gospel of John, Genesis and Psalms, and tips for understanding what you read.
The Bible is not one book but a library of 66, written over many centuries in different styles: history, law, poetry, proverbs, letters and visions. You do not have to start at Genesis and read to the end; many people find that route discouraging.
A simple 30-day plan
- Days 1 to 21: read one chapter of the Gospel of John a day. It tells the life of Jesus and is a common first book.
- Days 22 to 26: read the first five chapters of Genesis, the story of creation and the first people.
- Days 27 to 30: read a few psalms, such as Psalm 23, 1, 121 and 139.
Tips
- Read a chapter at a time and ask: what is this passage, who is speaking and to whom?
- Read the summary of the book first (see the list of books).
- Take your time with the poetry and the laws; they are meant to be read slowly.
- Use a notebook for questions. Many churches and community groups welcome readers who ask questions.
The Bible text is the World English Bible, a modern English translation in the public domain. Christians differ in how they read and apply the Bible, and the notes on this site are plain descriptions, not teaching. Ask your own church or teacher about what it means for you.