What Book of the Bible Should I Read? Expert Advice

Have you ever looked at a Bible sitting on a shelf? It’s a thick book. It can feel intimidating. I remember my first time truly wanting to read it. I had no idea where to begin. Do I start at page one? Do I flip to a random spot? This article answers a big question: What book of the Bible should I read? My goal is to give you a clear path. A starting point for your own journey.

This isn’t about rules. It is about finding a connection. God wants to speak to you through His word. Let’s find the right place for you to start listening. We will explore simple, powerful books to begin your walk with God.

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Key Takeaways

• Don’t Start at the Beginning: Unless you love history, Genesis can be tough. The Gospels are a much better starting point for new readers.
• Your Goal Matters: Are you seeking comfort, wisdom, or the core story of Jesus? Your need right now can guide your choice. The best book is the one that speaks to your current situation.
• Start with John or Mark: The Gospel of John beautifully explains who Jesus is. The Gospel of Mark gives a fast, action-packed account of His life. Both are excellent first reads.
• It’s a Journey, Not a Race: It is perfectly okay to feel confused. It is normal to have questions. The goal is a lifelong relationship, not just finishing a book. Be patient with yourself.

Before You Open to Page One, What Are You Looking For?

Before we pick a book, let’s think about your heart. Why do you want to read the Bible right now? Your answer will point us in the right direction. It helps you find exactly what you need. Everyone comes to the Bible for different reasons. All of them are valid.

I’ve been in different seasons of my own life. Sometimes I needed hope. Other times I just wanted to understand a core truth. Finding the right book felt like finding a friend who understood. Your reason for reading is your personal compass.

Are You Brand New to the Bible?

If you are totally new to this, welcome. It is an honor to help guide you. You don’t need any special knowledge. You just need an open heart. The Bible is a story. It is God’s story of His love for us.

For a new reader, we want a book that is clear. A book that introduces the main character. That character is Jesus Christ. Everything in the Bible points to Him. So, starting with His life makes the most sense. It gives context to everything else you will ever read.

• Focus on a Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John).
• Don’t worry about what you don’t understand.
• Just read to get to know Jesus.
• Pray a simple prayer before you start. Ask God to speak to you.

Are You Feeling Lost or Need Encouragement?

Life gets hard. It really does. There are days when the weight feels too heavy. I have been there. In those moments, the Bible is not just a book. It is a source of living hope. God’s words can bring comfort to a hurting soul.

If you are in a season of struggle, you need encouragement. You need to be reminded of God’s love. You need to know that you are not alone. There are specific books filled with promises. They are packed with words of comfort for times of trial.

Do You Want to Understand Core Christian Beliefs?

Maybe you are past the introduction. You believe in Jesus. Now you want to know more. What does it mean to be a Christian? How should I live my life? These are fantastic questions. They show a desire to grow deeper in your faith.

Some books of the Bible are like instruction manuals. They lay out the foundations of our faith. They explain the big picture of God’s plan. Reading them helps your faith stand on solid ground. It moves you from just knowing stories to understanding theology in a simple way.

Are You Interested in History and Epic Stories?

Perhaps you love a grand story. You enjoy tales of heroes, villains, and epic battles. The Bible is full of them. The Old Testament, in particular, is rich with history. It has incredible narratives that span thousands of years.

These stories are not just for entertainment. They show God’s faithfulness over generations. They reveal His character through His interactions with people. If you love history, these books will capture your imagination. They will also build your faith in a powerful God who works through time.

So, What Book of the Bible Should I Read First? My Top Recommendations

Okay, you’ve thought about your “why.” Now for the “what.” If I had to suggest one starting place, it would be the Gospels. They tell the life story of Jesus. And Jesus is the center of everything. Here are my top picks for a first-time reader.

Why is the Gospel of John a Great Place to Start?

Many people I talk to love starting with John. I do too. This book is different from the other three Gospels. It is less of a historical account. It is more of a theological reflection on who Jesus is. John wants you to know one thing: Jesus is God.

From the very first verse, John makes this clear. He writes in a way that is simple yet profound. He focuses on the “I am” statements of Jesus. These show His divine nature. John also records deep conversations that Jesus had.

I find this book incredibly personal. It speaks directly about God’s love. John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the Bible. It sums up the entire Christian message.

• Focus: Who Jesus is (His divinity).
• Tone: Personal, reflective, and deeply loving.
• Key Theme: Believing in Jesus leads to eternal life.
• Great for: Someone who wants to understand the heart of the Christian faith.

Should I Read the Book of Mark for a Fast-Paced Story?

Yes! If you want action, Mark is your book. It is the shortest of the four Gospels. There is very little fluff. Mark gets straight to the point. He presents Jesus as a servant and a man of action.

Reading Mark feels like watching a movie. One event flows quickly into the next. It emphasizes the miracles of Jesus. It highlights His power and authority. Because it is short, you can read it in one sitting. This can give you a great sense of accomplishment.

Mark is powerful. It presents the Gospel in a clear and urgent way. It is a fantastic overview of Jesus’s ministry on Earth.

What About Genesis for the Beginning of Everything?

Many people naturally think, “I should start at the beginning.” That means Genesis, chapter one. Genesis is a foundational book. It is absolutely essential to understanding the whole Bible. It tells us where we came from. It explains the origin of sin and God’s plan of redemption.

However, it can be a tough first read. It contains long genealogies. The second half of the book follows one family line in great detail. For someone new, this can sometimes be confusing.

My advice? Read a Gospel first. Get to know Jesus. Then, circle back to Genesis. When you read it with Jesus in mind, it will make so much more sense. You will see hints of Him everywhere.

I’ve Read a Gospel, What’s Next? Tailoring Your Journey

Congratulations! Reading a Gospel is a huge step. You have met Jesus through the pages of Scripture. Now, where do you go from there? Your journey can branch out in many exciting directions. It all depends on what you want to learn next.

Think of it like this. You have finished the main story. Now you can explore the backstory, the characters, and the consequences. This is where the Bible really opens up.

Where Can I Find Wisdom for Everyday Life?

The Bible is not just about the past. It is incredibly practical for today. If you want wisdom for your job, your family, or your decisions, the Bible has it.

The book of Proverbs is a great place to go. It is a collection of wise sayings. You don’t have to read it straight through. You can read a chapter a day. There are 31 chapters. That matches the number of days in many months. I often try to read the chapter that corresponds to the day of the month. It’s a simple habit.

Another amazing book is James. It is in the New Testament. James is extremely practical. He talks about controlling your tongue. He discusses how to treat the rich and the poor. He challenges us to live out our faith, not just talk about it.

How Can I Learn About the Early Church and Its Struggles?

After Jesus ascended to heaven, what happened? The book of Acts tells that story. It was written by Luke, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. Acts is the exciting sequel. It follows the apostles as they start the first churches.

You will read about miracles. You will see the Holy Spirit move in powerful ways. You will also see the intense persecution the early Christians faced. It is an inspiring and challenging book. It shows how a small group of believers changed the world.

I’m Hurting. What Book of the Bible Can Offer Comfort?

If you are walking through a valley, you need the Psalms. This book is the songbook of the Bible. It contains 150 poems and prayers. They express the full range of human emotion.

You will find psalms of great joy. You will find psalms of deep sorrow and anger. You will find psalms of honest questions for God. I remember a particularly dark time in my life. I read Psalm 23 over and over. “The Lord is my shepherd.” Those words were a lifeline for me.

The psalmists were not afraid to be real with God. This gives us permission to be real with Him too. You can always find a psalm that matches your heart.

How Do I Understand God’s Big Plan of Redemption?

For this, I recommend the book of Romans. I will be honest. This book is a bit deeper. It is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Rome. In it, he lays out the core doctrines of Christianity.

He talks about sin, salvation, and grace. He explains how we are made right with God through faith in Jesus. It is a masterpiece of logic and theology. It can be a little dense to read. I suggest reading it slowly. Maybe just a small section at a time.

Studying Romans can radically change your understanding of God’s grace. For a deeper historical context, many universities offer great resources. Yale’s Bible Study on the Pauline Letters provides excellent background on the world Paul was writing to. It helped me grasp just how revolutionary his message was.

Is It Okay If I Don’t Understand Everything at First?

Absolutely, yes. Let me say that again. It is 100% okay if you do not understand everything. No one does. I have been reading the Bible for years. I still come across passages that confuse me. That is part of the journey.

Reading the Bible is not like reading a novel. It is an ancient collection of books. It was written in different languages and cultures. Humility is key. It is okay to say, “I don’t get this.”

The Challenge of the Old Testament Law Books (Like Leviticus)

Sooner or later, you will get to the Old Testament law. You might hit a book like Leviticus. I remember my first attempt. I got bogged down in the details of sacrifices and rituals. It felt so strange and irrelevant.

Here is the secret. Those books are pointing to Jesus. All those sacrifices were temporary. They showed the seriousness of sin. They also showed that a blood sacrifice was needed. Jesus was the final, perfect sacrifice. When you read these books through that lens, they start to make sense. But I would not recommend them for a new reader.

What If I Read a Passage and Feel Confused or Even Upset?

This happens. Some stories in the Bible are difficult. Some commands seem harsh. What should you do? First, don’t panic. Don’t close the book and give up.

Second, pray about it. Ask God for wisdom and understanding.

Third, investigate. Use a good study Bible or online resources. Look at the context. Who was this written to? What was the historical situation? Often, context changes everything.

Finally, talk to someone. Ask a pastor or a mature Christian friend. Community is so important in our faith. We are meant to help each other understand God’s word.

Building a Habit: How Do I Keep Reading?

Starting is one thing. Continuing is another. How do you build a lasting habit of reading the Bible?

• Start Small: Do not try to read for an hour a day. Start with five or ten minutes. Consistency is more important than length.
• Find a Time and Place: Make it a part of your routine. Maybe it’s with your morning coffee. Maybe it’s during your lunch break.
• Use a Reading Plan: There are thousands of free reading plans online. You can find them on the YouVersion Bible App. A plan removes the question, “What should I read today?”
• Find a Friend: Read through a book with a friend. Talk about what you are learning. Accountability is a powerful motivator.

Your Journey with the Bible is a Personal One

So, what book of the Bible should I read? I hope you see the answer. It depends on you. It depends on where you are in life. There is not one right answer for everyone. But there is a right place for you to start.

Don’t let the size of the Bible intimidate you. It is not just one book. It is a library of 66 books. Each one has a unique purpose. Together, they tell the single greatest story ever told.

The most important step is the first one. Pick a book from this list. Open it up. And start reading. God is waiting to meet you there. This is not about a duty. It is about a relationship. A relationship that can change your life forever.

Frequently Asked Questions – What Book of the Bible Should I Read