What Book of the Bible Should I Read? Expert Advice

Let’s be honest. You pick up the Bible. You feel its weight and consequently flip through the pages. It’s a huge book. In fact, it has 66 smaller books and over a thousand chapters. The story, furthermore, covers thousands of years. Its size can certainly feel like you’re at the bottom of a huge mountain without a map. For this reason, it is normal to feel lost. It is completely normal to ask, what book of the Bible should I read?

I have been there. I can tell you, however, that this question is a good sign. Indeed, it is a sign of a new start. You are looking for a place to begin. This journey is one of the most important ones you can take.

The good news is there is no single “right” book to read first. The best place for you to start depends on what you need right now. For example, do you need comfort? Do you need good advice? Are you curious about Jesus? Or do you just want to see the big picture? Answering these questions for yourself is the first step to figuring out what book of the Bible should I read.

This guide is my friendly advice. It comes from years of reading and helping others. Together, we will walk through this. It is not a set of rules, but rather a friendly chat. We will look at different starting points that fit your needs. Therefore, do not worry about “getting it right.” Instead, let’s just get started.

Tips Before You Decide Which Book of the Bible to Read

Before we look at specific books, let me first give you some advice. This advice was a game-changer for me. Do not treat the Bible like a schoolbook. For instance, you do not have to master it or learn every rule. Think of it more like letters from someone who loves you. In other words, it is a library of stories about your spiritual family.

Some parts will be hard to understand. Moreover, some parts might even feel boring at first. That’s okay. I have read parts of it many times and thought, “I don’t get it.” That, however, is part of the journey. The goal is not to understand every word the first time. The goal is simply to show up. Open the page. Let the words start to work in your heart.

So, take a deep breath. You can then say a simple prayer. You could say, “God, please show me what you want me to see.” And then, let’s find your starting point.

Best Books of the Bible for Beginners to Read First

If you are new to the Bible, the best place to start is with Jesus. Unquestionably, he is the main figure of the whole story. The first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels. They are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each one tells the story of Jesus’s life, death, and return to life. They each, however, tell it from a different view.

Why the Gospel of John is a Good First Book to Read

If you can only pick one book to start with, I almost always suggest the Gospel of John. Why? Because John wants to show you who Jesus is, not just what he did. The book is deep, but it is also very simple. For instance, John shows Jesus as the light of the world. Jesus is also the bread of life. And He is the good shepherd. These are strong images you can hold onto. You can understand them even without knowing all the history.

Reading John is not like reading a history report. Instead, it feels like talking to an old man about his best friend. He is full of passion. As a result, he wants you to feel the same love and wonder he feels. It’s a great way to meet Jesus for the first time.

Reading the Gospel of Mark for a Quick Overview of Jesus’s Life

Maybe you do not want deep, poetic words right now. Perhaps you just want to know what happened. If that is you, then the Gospel of Mark is a great choice. It is the shortest of the four Gospels and it moves very quickly. Mark is full of action. In fact, he often uses the word “immediately.” This makes the story feel fast and exciting.

Think of Mark as an action movie. It gives you a quick and strong overview of what Jesus did. You will see him heal people. You will see him teach with power. Finally, you will see him challenge the leaders of his day. It’s a simple and direct read that will give you a good base in a short time.

What Book of the Bible Should I Read Based on My Feelings?

Life changes every day. As a result, what we need from God also changes. Sometimes we need comfort. At other times we need courage. And sometimes we just need good advice. The Bible, thankfully, meets us right where we are. So, let’s look at some choices based on what you are feeling to answer your question, what book of the Bible should I read.

What Book of the Bible Should I Read for Comfort and Hope? Try Psalms

The book of Psalms is like a prayer book and a songbook. It has every human feeling you can think of. For example, there is joy, praise, anger, doubt, and sadness. There is also confusion and hope. The writers of the Psalms are very honest with God. Reading their words, therefore, lets you be honest, too.

There were times in my life when I felt very lost. In those moments, I could not find the words to pray. During those times, I would open Psalms. Their words became my prayers.

Here’s a small guide to the Psalms:

• When you feel anxious: Read Psalm 23 or Psalm 91.
• If you feel guilty: Read Psalm 51.
• For times you feel lonely or unseen: Read Psalm 139.
• When you need to praise God but have no words: Read Psalm 103 or Psalm 145.

You do not have to read Psalms from start to finish. Just open it and find a part that speaks to your heart. Indeed, it is a source of comfort that is always there for you.

What Book of the Bible Should I Read for Daily Wisdom? Read Proverbs

If Psalms is the heart of the Bible, then Proverbs is its wise mind. This book is a group of short, wise sayings. They are about all parts of life: money, friends, work, and being honest. It also teaches how to speak to other people.

Reading Proverbs is like getting advice from a very wise person. It is not about hard ideas. Instead, it is about living a good and smart life right now. I have tried to read one chapter of Proverbs a day for a month. Since there are 31 chapters, it works well. Every time, I see how its wisdom helps me with my daily problems.

If you want to know how faith affects your work, your money, or your family, Proverbs is a great help.

Read Acts to Understand the Early Church’s Story

Did you ever finish a great story and wonder what happened next? Well, that is what the book of Acts is for. Luke wrote it. He also wrote the Gospel of Luke. Acts is, therefore, the sequel. It starts right after Jesus goes to heaven.

It shows how normal people did great things with the Holy Spirit’s help. It’s the story of how a small group of scared followers in Jerusalem grew. They eventually became a worldwide movement. If you want to feel inspired, read Acts. It shows what a group of believers can do when they are led by the Spirit. Ultimately, this book answers the question, “I believe in Jesus. Now what am I part of?”

What Book of the Bible Should I Read to Understand the Big Picture?

After you read a few of these, you might wonder how they all fit together. You are starting to ask good questions, and your interest is growing. You may still ask, what book of the Bible should I read to see the big picture? This is a great next step.

Why You Should Read Genesis for the Bible’s Foundation

Genesis is the book of beginnings. It tells the story of how the world was made. It then shows how God started his rescue plan. He chose a man named Abraham. He promised to build a nation through him. Yes, some parts can be slow. But the main stories in Genesis are very important. Consequently, they help you understand the rest of the Bible.

Reading Genesis is like finding the “once upon a time” for the whole Bible story. It sets the stage. Furthermore, it shows the main problem of sin. The rest of the Bible then works to solve this problem.

Using a Bible Reading Plan to See God’s Overall Story

Another good idea is to use a reading plan. A plan can guide you through the Bible’s main story. Many Bible apps and websites offer these for free.

A plan I often suggest to people follows the big story. It might look something like this:

1. Genesis: The Beginning and the Promise.
2. Exodus: The Rescue and the Law.
3. 1 & 2 Samuel: The Story of King David.
4. John: The King Arrives.
5. Acts: The Kingdom Grows.
6. Romans or Ephesians: Understanding the Kingdom.
7. Revelation: The End and New Beginning.

This is not a full list, of course. But reading these books will help you see the Bible’s main story. The story is about how God created the world, how things went wrong, and how He fixed them. For great visual guides and plans, I strongly suggest The Bible Project. They have short, animated videos for every book of the Bible. This is an incredible tool for a beginner.

Helpful Tools to Decide What Book of the Bible Should I Read

Starting is the most important step. However, having the right tools can make the path much smoother. It is like hiking. You can do it in sneakers, but good boots make a big difference.

Choosing the Best Bible Translation for You

Bibles come in different versions, called translations. This can be confusing. For example, some translations use words that are very close to the original texts. Other translations use modern words to share the main idea. In addition, some versions, called paraphrases, retell the stories in today’s language.

For a beginner, I suggest the New International Version (NIV) or the English Standard Version (ESV). They are accurate and easy to read. Therefore, do not get stuck with a version that is hard for you to read. The best translation for you is the one you will actually read.

Online Bible Resources and Apps to Help You Read

You do not have to do this alone! We live in a time with many free and helpful tools.

• Bible Apps: An app like the YouVersion Bible App is very useful. It has many translations. It also has thousands of reading plans on all kinds of topics.
• Study Bibles: A good study Bible is a great tool. It has notes at the bottom of the page. The notes explain parts that are hard to understand. Plus, they give history and help you see the main ideas.
• Online Resources: If you have a question, you can look online. Websites like Got Questions can be very helpful. They give clear, Bible-based answers to many common questions.

The Benefits of Reading – What Book of the Bible Should I Read

Finally, a great way to learn more is to read with other people. You can join a small group at a church. Or you could ask a friend to read a book of the Bible with you. When you talk about what you read, you hear what others think. You can also ask questions and help each other.

I find that when I talk about a passage with a friend, my own understanding deepens. We were made to be with others. In the same way, our spiritual lives are no different. Sharing the journey makes it better.

Your First Step: Just Start Reading a Book of the Bible

We have talked about a lot. We covered the Gospels, Psalms, Genesis, and Acts. It might still feel like a lot. So let me end where we began.

The most important thing you can do is to start. Don’t be afraid of choosing the “wrong” book, because there is no wrong book. Just pick one from this list that feels right to you. Then, open it up and read a chapter. That’s it. Do it again tomorrow. This simple act is the ultimate answer to what book of the Bible should I read.

Reading the Bible is a journey for your whole life. You will not figure it all out this week or this month. That is part of its beauty. It is a relationship. Above all, it is a talk that grows over time. The goal is not to master a book; it’s to meet its Author. And He is eagerly waiting to meet you on whatever page you open. This will surely help you decide what book of the Bible should I read on your faith journey.

FAQ – What Book of the Bible Should I Read