Do you love to read? Reading is a wonderful pastime and has many benefits for our minds and bodies. As followers of Christ, one of the books we love to read is the Bible. The Bible comprises 66 books written by 40 different authors over 1,500 years. It includes 30,000 sentences or verses within its 1,200 chapters. If you read one chapter every day, it would take you three years to finish the Bible. That is a big book! You may wonder how to read the Bible. Should you start with the first chapter like when reading other books? Here are some suggestions to help you decide where to start reading and in what order to read the Bible.
How to start reading the Bible?
The Bible is a unique book. Even though it’s written by many human authors, there is cohesiveness and unity. The books are written differently, depending on the author’s style. For instance, some books are
- Historical accounts
- Law
- Poetry
- Letters
- Prophecy
In essence, the 39 books of the Old Testament are about the longing and anticipation of the Messiah. In the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are about the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and all he did to deliver us from sin and death. The New Testament also contains letters to the early followers of Christ (Christians) about how to live.
Christians believe that even though different authors wrote the Bible, it’s inspired by God.
Scripture describes the power of God’s word.
- All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (1 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)
- For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)
- Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV)
Canonical Bible reading
A Canonical reading of the Bible is reading the books of the bible in an arranged way. It takes into account how the Bible is arranged systematically. Reading the Bible chronologically is reading the Bible in order of the historical events to understand human history and God’s plans over time. There can be advantages to both types of readings. It depends on our objectives for reading the Bible and our preferences. Here are some benefits of Canonical Bible reading.
- It provides a theme-based progression of the Bible rather than a historical progression.
- Gives a systemic exploration of the Scripture
- As we read, themes emerge, and we begin to understand God better
- We learn key doctrines and themes emphasized by the author
- We understand the Biblical narrative
- We learn how different genres, whether poetry, gospels, or prophecy, fit together.
- We see the diversity and unity of the Bible.
In summary, a canonical reading of the Bible helps us see patterns, narratives, and repetitions and teaches us about its main themes.
Reading the Bible in chronological order
Another method of reading the Bible is the chronologically. Reading chronologically helps us learn about the events as they happened. Reading this way helps us.
- Have a clear picture of Bible history
- Gives us an appreciation for the Bible’s progression and narrative
- It helps elevate some of the confusing parts of the Bible, i.e., overlapping gospel books in the New Testament
- Helps show the relationship between different events in the Bible
Of course, both types of reading plans have their drawbacks. So, it’s up to the reader to choose which one they think would be best.
Reading the gospels
Many people who read the Bible for the first time choose to read the gospels. These books are in the New Testament and include Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, they are written in the unique voice of each disciple. The background and personality of each disciple shape the way they share their message while staying true to God’s message.
Matthew
Matthew was a former tax collector before becoming a follower of Jesus. During this period, tax collectors were hated employees of Rome. People didn’t trust them and considered thieves and traitors. Matthew understood what it was to be an outcast. In his writings, he emphasized to the Jewish people how Jesus was the Messiah, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.
Mark
The book of Mark was written by John Mark, a follower of Jesus and a scribe. He wrote it between 60 and 70 CE in Syria and Rome. Mark writes fast-paced, breezing through the narrative.
Luke
Luke, a physician, wrote precisely, verifying the facts of Jesus’s life. He also wrote the book of Acts. Luke compiles research into a historical account. Luke writes intelligently, explaining how and why things happened. He showed curiosity and gave many details, expounding on more information than either Matthew or Mark. He had a passion for sharing the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
John
Three of the twelve disciples, John, Peter, and James, were extremely close to Jesus, but John could best be described as Jesus’s best friend. John was a fisherman, and although he was bold, like Peter, he lacked impulsiveness. John was called “the disciple Jesus loved.” John’s letter gives readers an in-depth understanding of who Jesus was. John expressed the majesty and glory of who Jesus was, defining him as God, the divine King of the universe.
The Old Testament points to Jesus
Many prophetic verses speak of the coming of Jesus.
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 NIV)
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. (Micah 5:2 NIV)
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14 NIV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)
Other verses in the Old Testament that point to Jesus as the Messiah.
- Genesis 12:3 Genesis 22:18
- Numbers 24:17
- Genesis 49:10
- 2 Samuel 7:12-13
- Isaiah 9:7
- Psalm 45:6-7
- Daniel 2:44
- Isaiah 40:3-5
- Psalm 69:8
- Isaiah 53:3
- Psalm 2:7
- Isaiah 9:1-2
- Psalm 78:2-4
- Isaiah 6:9-10
- Psalm 2:6
- Zechariah 9:9
- Psalm 41:9
- Zechariah 11:12-13
- Psalm 35:11
- Psalm 69:21
- Psalm 22:16
- Zechariah 12:10
- Exodus 12:46
- Psalm 34:20
- Isaiah 53:5-12
- Daniel 7:13-14
Jesus Christ and the New Testament
The New Testament is the story of who Jesus is and what he did. It also is the account of the first followers who were called Christians. The parts of the New Testament include:
- Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
- Paul’s letters to the churches (Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians.)
- Paul’s letters to individuals (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon)
- Paul’s general letters (Hebrews, James and 1 and 2 Peter, 1-3 John and Jude)
- Book of Revelations
The New Testament is a good place to start reading the Bible. Many people begin with the book of John. John’s letter describes
What it means to believe and follow Jesus
- Jesus’ divinity
- That he is the Messiah
- Live for Jesus
- Eternal life for all who believe
Remove distractions
After we decide where we want to start reading in the Bible, set aside a certain time and a place to do the readings. Helpful suggestions include:
- Mute your phone
- Find a quiet corner of your home(bedroom, living room, or sunroom)
- Keep a journal to write down notes from your readings.
- Highlight passages that have special meaning
- Memorize verses that give strength or hope during difficult times
Pray before and after you read
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)
Before you read Scripture, praying and asking God to speak to you through his Word is helpful. After you read, ask God to help you understand.
- What the readings say about Jesus
- What the readings say about yourself
- How you can apply what’s said in the readings
Start today
It’s never too late to start reading the Bible. Start reading today, even if you don’t know exactly where to begin. Don’t assume you need a perfect plan or way to read Scripture. The main thing is to start reading. Many people like to read a psalm or a proverb every day. These shorter readings are easy to understand and apply to your life. You can also use these readings of Psalms as prayers. Keep a journal with prayers and answered prayer requests.
