What is the best order to read the Bible the first time? What a wonderful question! We are so happy that you want to read the Bible. Your life will be changed forever when you connect with God through His word. You may want to read why God is also called Adonai.
We invite you to know Jesus better by watching the Great news video on this page.
Is the Bible Relevant?
The Bible is the most popular book of all time – by far! It credibly claims it’s God’s message about how He created the world and why He created people. So, it addresses issues from eternity past and eternity future, about the existence of evil and how God will defeat it.
Its historical accounts touch on our problems: Why am I here? Why does evil exist, and why doesn’t God do something about it? How can I go to heaven when I die? Why do good people suffer? What is the right belief system? Is meditation a sin?
Where to Start Reading the Bible
But the Bible is a large book. English translations have over 700,000 words, over 1100 chapters, and sixty-six books. So, many people are intimidated by its sheer volume.
It’s possible to start at the beginning, in Genesis, and read it from start to finish. Many people take that approach.
Start by Reading the New Testament
Many also start by reading the New Testament. The first four books tell us about Jesus’ life when He walked the earth. These books are known as ‘The Gospels’ and eyewitnesses who accompanied Jesus recorded what He did as He lived and served people.
Start with the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John is an excellent place to start. John was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and was known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” His Gospel has a unique purpose statement:
“These are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).
John wrote so people might have life –eternal life, a place in heaven — by believing in Jesus’ Name. That sounds like a wonderful place to start
Psalms? Proverbs?
Other people like reading the Psalms (you can choose from among 150 of them!) or Proverbs, which contain short verses that express truisms.
For the Brave – Read Revelation
People tend to avoid Revelation, the last book in the Bible, because it’s intimidating. Yet, God promises a special blessing to all who read Revelation and keep its words:“Look, I am coming soon. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7).
Revelation is highly symbolic so don’t worry if you don’t understand everything you read in this book.
Our Times
The world situation is troubled and unstable. The Bible predicts that wars, storms, and earthquakes will increase as the end of the age approaches. It predicted, about six hundred years before Jesus was born that in the end time, God would restore Israel to their Promised Land (Ezekiel 37). That came true, against all odds, in 1948. And, that the world’s armies will fight the war of Armageddon in Israel:
“They gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16).
Today’s People are interested in what the Bible says about the events that lead to this final war. That’s why there’s so much focus on the disputes and conflicts in the Middle East.
So, Where Should You Begin Reading the Bible?
It depends on what you’re interested in.
- Read the Gospel of John if you’re drawn to accessing heaven by believing in Jesus’ Name.
- Read any of the four Gospels if you’re interested in Jesus’ earthly life.
- Read Genesis, where God tells us about creation and early world events.
- Read Psalms or Proverbs if you want shorter or devotional readings.
- Read Revelation for a blessing and God’s vision of coming events.
Start by reading what fascinates you. Get to know the Bible. In Jesus’ last words in the Bible, He promises us He’s returning soon:
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
We invite you to know Jesus better by watching the Great news video on this page.
The Bible is the most widely read book in all of human history, and its relevance has not faded. It credibly claims to be God’s message about how He created the world and why He created people — addressing questions that every generation wrestles with: Why am I here? Why does evil exist? How can I go to heaven? Why do good people suffer? Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or returning after years away, the Bible speaks directly to the deepest questions of human life.
The Gospel of John in the New Testament is a wonderful place to begin. John was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and wrote his Gospel with a clear purpose — that readers might believe Jesus is the Son of God and receive eternal life through His name. It is an accessible, personal, and profound introduction to who Jesus is. That said, the best starting point depends on what draws you:
- Gospel of John — if you want to understand who Jesus is and how to have eternal life.
- Any of the four Gospels — if you are interested in Jesus’ life and ministry on earth.
- Genesis — if you want to start at the beginning with creation and early world history.
- Psalms or Proverbs — if you prefer shorter, devotional, or wisdom-based readings.
- Revelation — if you are drawn to prophecy and God’s vision of coming events.
Not at all. While some people do read the Bible straight through from Genesis to Revelation, there is no single required order. With over 700,000 words, 1,100 chapters, and 66 books, the Bible can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be approached that way. The simple encouragement here is to start with what fascinates you. Get to know the Bible gradually, and let curiosity be your guide. Every section you read connects you more deeply to God’s word.
Yes — and the encouragement here is to go for it. While Revelation is highly symbolic, God promises a special blessing to all who read it. You don’t need to understand everything in it to receive that blessing. Revelation also speaks directly to the world we live in today, predicting wars, global instability, and end-time events — including the restoration of Israel, which was fulfilled in 1948, and the final battle of Armageddon. Its words feel remarkably current. “Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” — Revelation 22:7
The Bible predicted thousands of years ago that wars, storms, and earthquakes would increase as the end of the age approaches. It also foretold that God would restore Israel to their Promised Land — a prophecy written roughly 600 years before Jesus was born that came true in 1948. The ongoing conflicts and tensions in the Middle East are directly connected to what the Bible describes as the lead-up to the final battle of Armageddon. For many readers today, this is exactly what makes the Bible feel so alive and urgent. “Surely I am coming soon.” — Revelation 22:20
