A simple place to begin
Guide to reading the Bible
You do not need special knowledge to begin. Read carefully, consider the surrounding passage, and let Scripture explain Scripture.
New to the Bible?
Begin with the Gospel of John, which introduces Jesus Christ, his works, his teaching, his death, and his resurrection. Continue with Luke and Acts, then Romans.
The good news
The Gospel announces what God has done through Jesus Christ. Read John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, and Romans 10:9 in their full chapters.
Read the passages:John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9
Who is Jesus?
Start with John 1, Colossians 1:15–20, and Hebrews 1.
Read the passages:John 1, Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 1
Prayer
Read Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:5–15, and consider the prayers found throughout Psalms.
Read the passages:Matthew 6:5-15
Wisdom for daily life
Read a chapter of Proverbs each day, return often to Psalms, and study Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7.
Read the passages:Matthew 5–7
How to read a passage
Notice who is speaking, who is being addressed, what happens before and after, and how the passage fits within the whole book. Avoid building a conclusion from an isolated sentence.