Want to start reading the Bible? It can be overwhelming.
The Bible is a large book with many different genres written over thousands of years by different authors—and many people have many strong opinions about it.
But you just want to know where to start reading!
You’re not alone in that question—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Here are a few time-tested places to begin your read of the Bible.
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What Book of the Bible do You Read First?
There are a few good answers to this question.
1. Genesis
Many start with Genesis, the first book of the Bible, as its pros are that it tells the story of creation and the fall, introduces the patriarchs, like Abraham, and lays a foundation for the whole of salvation history. The cons are that it is long and has several morally difficult passages if one is very unfamiliar with how to read them. One alternative would be to read Genesis 1-11, which would tell you of the creation, the fall of mankind, the flood of Noah, and the Tower of Babel. Chapters 12-25 then tell of the story of Abraham, which gives you a good understanding of God’s covenant with his chosen people and the famous Abraham and Isaac narrative.
At minimum, it would be beneficial to read Genesis 1-3, as this would give you the creation narrative and the story of Adam and Eve—or in other words, it would give you a foundation in understanding the purpose of the cosmos and in understanding anthropology, i.e., what does it mean to be human?
Overall, Genesis is not a bad place to start, but if you’re very unfamiliar with the Bible, maybe just read chapters 1-3 for a solid foundation. We also have some good commentary posted on those chapters here on the Ascent.1
2. The Gospels
Another good starting place is one of the Gospels. The pros here are that an introduction to Jesus Christ gives you the standard by which all other things are judged. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—so, coming to know Him illuminates all things, including other books of the Bible.
What Gospel is best though?
There are four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The first three are called the “synoptic” gospels, because they are very similar in their content. Here, the Gospel of Mark could be a good place to start, as it is straightforward and the shortest. The Gospel of Matthew is written to the Jews and presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. The Gospel of Luke is written to the gentiles (non-Jews) and has a sequel, the Book of Acts, also written by Luke, that tells the history of Pentecost and the early church. Both Mark and Matthew would be fine starts, and the Luke-Acts combo would also be a great introduction to both Christ and His Church.
What about the Gospel of John?
The Gospel of John is a beautiful and mystic exploration of the reality of Jesus Christ. St. John starts his Gospel by claiming that Jesus is the Word, the Logos, the very ordering principle of creation through Whom all things were made (and still held in being). Jesus is the Divine Mind made flesh. Most new readers of the Bible need a more grounded introduction to Jesus, but you may be inclined to more mystical, spiritual reads. If so, the Gospel of John is a wonderful start.
Moreover, if you read Genesis 1-3 first, you’ll notice that St. John presents his Gospel as a New Genesis, retelling of the creation of mankind with its own “Second Adam.” It is a beautiful, allegorical picture of the whole biblical narrative—the old and new Genesis.
3. The Psalms
The Psalms are a collection of beautiful prayers that range from joyous praises of God to honest expressions of sorrow and despair. The Psalms would not introduce you to the story of the Bible, like Genesis or the Gospels, but it would introduce you to God’s love in dialogue with a real, broken world. The raw emotions of the Psalmist can be a great comfort to those going through a difficult time or just those who need to reestablish peace in their inner lives.
If you are looking for immediate peace, try reading the Psalms first or even coupling a Psalm or two with your readings from Genesis or the Gospels. It would join an introduction to the story of the Bible with a prayerful mindset.
You Can Read the Bible
You can read the Bible—and we are certainly here to help. Read the first couple chapters from Genesis, then read Matthew, Mark, or Luke and then read the Gospel of John. Be sure to couple these reads with 1-2 Psalms or just read a single Psalm before bed each night—fill your imagination with things that are true, good, and beautiful.
Christians know that reading the Bible can change your life—because the Bible introduces you to a person, Jesus Christ.
What questions do you have?
How can we help?
Dcn. Harrison Garlick is a deacon, husband, father, Chancellor, and attorney. He lives in rural Oklahoma with his wife and five children. He is also the host of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast. Follow him on X at Dcn. Garlick or Ascend.
For commentary on Genesis 1-3, see Eve as a Template of Union, Why Eve Chose Satan over her Husband, and Why God Committed the First Act of Violence.
Great article for someone who wishes to read The Bible for the first time. But, perhaps it would have been helpful to also recommend what version to read (NIV, ESV, NLT, KJV, etc.) for a first-timer?
I employ the Lutheran one, with its use of picturesque German. Akin to the language employed in Switzerland. Unluckily, It is considered antiquated in Germany and Austria.