Starting to read the Bible can feel overwhelming. With 66 books spanning thousands of years, where do you even begin? The good news is there's no single "right" answer—but there are some excellent starting points depending on your goals.

The Gospel of John

If you're brand new to the Bible, the Gospel of John is often recommended as the best starting point. Written specifically to help readers understand who Jesus is, John presents:

• Clear explanations of Jesus's identity
• Memorable stories and conversations
• Profound theological insights in accessible language

John wrote his gospel so that "you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God" (John 20:31). It's intentionally evangelistic and explanatory.

Genesis: The Beginning

Want to start at the very beginning? Genesis lays the foundation for the entire biblical narrative. You'll discover:

• The creation story
• The origin of humanity
• The first families and nations
• God's covenant with Abraham

Starting with Genesis gives you context for everything that follows, though some readers find the genealogies and ancient customs challenging at first.

The Psalms: Poetry and Prayer

If you're looking for something you can dip into any time, the Psalms offer 150 prayers and songs covering every human emotion:

• Joy and celebration
• Grief and lament
• Doubt and faith
• Gratitude and hope

Many Christians read one Psalm each day as part of their devotional practice.

A Reading Plan Approach

Rather than starting at page one and reading straight through, consider using a structured reading plan. Our 365-day plan gives you:

• Balanced daily portions from Old and New Testament
• Psalms and Proverbs woven throughout
• Manageable 15-20 minute daily readings

This approach prevents burnout and keeps the readings varied and engaging.

What NOT to Do

A few common pitfalls for new Bible readers:

1. Don't start with Leviticus – The detailed laws about sacrifices can be discouraging without context
2. Don't try to read it all at once – Consistency beats intensity
3. Don't skip the hard parts – Even challenging passages have value

Your Next Step

Ready to begin? We recommend:

1. Complete beginners: Start with the Gospel of John
2. Want the full story: Begin with Genesis
3. Looking for daily wisdom: Try Psalms and Proverbs
4. Committed to the whole Bible: Use our 365-day reading plan

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is simply to start. God's Word is living and active—it will meet you wherever you begin.