Where to start reading the Bible
The Bible is big, and opening it at Genesis 1 and trying to read straight through can feel like hitting a wall somewhere in Leviticus. You are not slow. You just need a better place to start.
Start with the Gospel of John: it tells the story of Jesus and explains who He is, which is the key to the whole Bible. Then read Mark, Acts and Romans, then Genesis, Psalms and Proverbs. Read a chapter a day, ask what it says, what it means and how it applies to you, and use a modern translation. The whole Bible tells one story: God making a way to bring people back to Himself, through Jesus.
Have a question about the Bible? Ask it, any hour. Ask now →
An official reading Isaiah on the road
An Ethiopian official was riding home from Jerusalem, reading the prophet Isaiah out loud, and couldn’t make sense of it. Philip ran up and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He answered, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” Philip climbed in and explained the passage, starting from that very Scripture and telling him about Jesus (Acts 8:26–35). Everyone needs a guide at first. That’s why Become built one.
A simple order to start
1. John: who Jesus is.
2. Mark: the fastest account of His life.
3. Acts: what happened next.
4. Romans: what it all means.
5. Genesis: where the story begins.
6. Psalms and Proverbs: prayers and wisdom for every day.
How to read so it sticks
Read one chapter, then ask three questions: What does it say? What does it mean? What do I do with it? Write one sentence. Pray it back to God. Short and daily beats long and rare.
What the Bible says
- 01
- 02
Why John was written.
“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
John 20:31 - 03
What Scripture does.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16–17 - 04
Meditate on it day and night.
“This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.”
Joshua 1:8 - 05
Do what it says.
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.”
James 1:22 - 06
Living and active.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Read John 1 today. Write one sentence about what it tells you about Jesus.
Common questions
Which Bible translation is best for beginners?
Choose a clear modern translation. Become uses the Berean Standard Bible: accurate and easy to read.
Should I read the Bible from start to finish?
You can, eventually. But starting with the Gospels helps everything else make sense.
What if I don’t understand what I’m reading?
Keep going and ask questions. A study Bible, a reading plan and other believers help. Become’s study notes explain each chapter in plain language.
Read it with a guide.
Become’s study Bible explains every chapter in plain language, with a reading plan that starts in John and walks you through the whole story, in your language.