New Testament Reading Plan
If you're new to the Bible, the New Testament is the perfect place to start.
Why? Because it's where you meet Jesus. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection are the heart of the Christian faith. Everything else in Scripture points toward him or flows from him.
This focused reading plan takes you through the entire New Testament—27 books, from Matthew to Revelation—in about 90 days.
What Is the New Testament?
The New Testament is the second major section of the Bible, written in the first century after Jesus' life on earth. It contains:
- Four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Jesus' life and teachings)
- Acts — The story of the early church
- Paul's Letters — Theology and practical guidance for churches
- General Letters — Writings from other apostles
- Revelation — A vision of God's ultimate victory
Together, these 27 books are about 180,000 words—roughly the length of two average novels. Very readable.
Who Is This Plan For?
A New Testament reading plan is ideal if you:
- Are new to the Bible and want a manageable starting point
- Want to know Jesus by reading the primary sources
- Feel intimidated by the entire Bible's length
- Have limited time but want consistent progress
- Are exploring Christianity and want to understand what Christians believe
If you've been reading the Bible for years, this plan is also great for focused study on Jesus' life and the early church. Sometimes returning to the New Testament with fresh eyes reveals things you've missed.
Time Commitment
10-15 minutes per day is all you need.
The New Testament is significantly shorter than the Old Testament. Reading just 1-2 chapters daily gets you through in about 90 days. That's a pace almost anyone can maintain.
Even on busy days, 10 minutes is achievable. That's one chapter—often just a couple of pages.
What Makes This Approach Unique
Meet Jesus First
The Gospels introduce you to Jesus—not abstract theology about him, but his actual words and actions. You'll watch him heal the sick, challenge the religious elite, welcome outcasts, and explain the kingdom of God.
There's no substitute for reading Jesus' own words.
Manageable Scope
The New Testament is about 25% of the Bible's total length. Completing it feels achievable. That sense of accomplishment builds confidence for tackling more.
Immediate Relevance
While the Old Testament provides crucial context, the New Testament speaks most directly to Christian life today. You'll encounter practical guidance on relationships, community, suffering, hope, and purpose.
Foundation for Everything Else
Once you know the New Testament, the Old Testament makes more sense. You'll recognize how prophecies point to Jesus. You'll see how the Law prepared for grace. The whole Bible opens up.
Sample Schedule: Week One
Here's your first week of reading:
| Day | Passage | What You'll Read |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Matthew 1-2 | Jesus' birth and early life |
| Day 2 | Matthew 3-4 | John the Baptist, Jesus' temptation |
| Day 3 | Matthew 5-6 | Sermon on the Mount begins |
| Day 4 | Matthew 7-8 | Sermon on the Mount, first healings |
| Day 5 | Matthew 9-10 | More miracles, the 12 disciples sent out |
| Day 6 | Matthew 11-12 | Questions about Jesus' identity |
| Day 7 | Matthew 13-14 | Parables and miracles |
By the end of week one, you'll be halfway through Matthew. You'll have heard Jesus teach, watched him heal, and seen both crowds and critics respond to him.
What to Expect From Each Section
The Gospels (Weeks 1-6)
Four accounts of Jesus' life, each with a unique perspective:
- Matthew — Jesus as the promised King, written for Jewish readers
- Mark — Fast-paced action, Jesus as the suffering servant
- Luke — Detailed narrative, emphasis on Jesus' compassion for outsiders
- John — Theological depth, Jesus as the Son of God
You'll read some events multiple times. That's intentional—each Gospel highlights different details.
Acts (Weeks 7-8)
The sequel to Luke's Gospel. Watch the church explode from a small group in Jerusalem to a movement spanning the Roman Empire. Meet Paul, whose dramatic conversion changes everything.
Paul's Letters (Weeks 9-11)
Theology made practical. Paul writes to churches facing real problems—division, false teaching, moral confusion, persecution. His letters shaped Christianity more than almost any other writings.
General Letters & Revelation (Weeks 12-13)
Wisdom from James, Peter, John, and others. The New Testament closes with Revelation—a challenging but hopeful vision of God's ultimate victory over evil.
Tips for New Testament Reading
Start with a Modern Translation
For first-time readers, the NLT (New Living Translation) or NIV (New International Version) are excellent choices. Clear, accurate, and readable.
Don't Skip the "Boring" Parts
Some passages feel repetitive or confusing (looking at you, Revelation). Keep going. You don't have to understand everything on your first read. Just keep moving.
Let Jesus Surprise You
If you have preconceptions about Jesus from culture, movies, or secondhand sources, prepare to have them challenged. The real Jesus is more radical, more compassionate, and more confrontational than most people expect.
Read the Letters Like Letters
Paul's epistles are real correspondence to real communities. Understanding their context (often provided in study Bible notes) makes them come alive.
Common Questions
Should I Start with the Old Testament Instead?
You can, but it's not required. Many people find starting with the New Testament builds momentum and context that makes the Old Testament more meaningful later.
Will I Understand It Without the Old Testament Background?
Yes—the core message is accessible. You'll miss some references, but the story of Jesus stands on its own. Background knowledge enriches your reading; it's not required for comprehension.
What About the Parts I Don't Understand?
Mark them and move on. Some passages take years of reading and study to fully appreciate. That's okay. The Bible rewards repeated reading.
How Is This Different from Just Reading the Gospels?
The Four Gospels Plan focuses only on Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This plan adds Acts (the church's story), the letters (practical theology), and Revelation (hope for the future). It's the complete New Testament picture.
After You Finish
Completing the New Testament is a real accomplishment. From there, you might:
- Read it again — second reads always reveal more
- Tackle the Old Testament — see how it all connects
- Try a chronological plan — understand the timeline
- Deep-dive into one book — study John or Romans in depth
The New Testament is a beginning, not an ending.
Ready to Meet Jesus?
Twenty-seven books. Ninety days. Ten minutes a day.
By the end, you'll know the story of Jesus—from his birth in Bethlehem to his promised return. You'll understand what the earliest Christians believed and how they lived.
The journey starts with Matthew, chapter one.
Never Lose Your Place
BibleMate keeps your New Testament reading on track:
- Daily reminders at your preferred time
- Progress tracking to celebrate milestones
- Offline reading for commutes and travel
- Simple interface that stays out of your way