Best Bible Reading Order for Beginners (and Why It Matters)

Wondering where to start reading the Bible? You’re not alone. With 66 books and many different themes, knowing the best order to read the Bible can feel overwhelming—especially for beginners.

A great place to start is with the Gospels—the biographies of Jesus Christ. Begin with John, then read Mark, Matthew, and Luke. After that, move into Acts, James, 1 John, and Paul’s letters.

Once you’ve completed the New Testament, return to the Old Testament with Genesis, Psalms, and Daniel—books that bring deep insight and historical context.

Understanding the Old Testament becomes much easier after reading the New Testament. Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection bring the whole Bible into focus.

Starting with the Gospels

The best place to start reading the Bible is with the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four books offer eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings (see Luke 1:2). While they often tell overlapping stories, each Gospel has its own unique emphasis.

If you’re brand new to the Bible, start with the Gospel of John. It’s the easiest to understand and gives a powerful picture of who Jesus is. Next, read Mark, which is the shortest Gospel. Then read Matthew and Luke to see additional details and teachings from Jesus’ life.

You don’t have to read the Gospels in a strict order to benefit from them. What matters most is reading with focus, reflection, and a desire to grow in your understanding of Jesus.

A helpful resource for comparing the Gospels is called a Harmony of the Gospels. It organizes the overlapping events from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in chronological order. You can find one online at Blue Letter Bible.

Reading the Book of Acts

After reading the Gospels, the next book to read is Acts. It continues the story of Jesus’ followers and shows how the early church began to grow.

Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke, also wrote Acts as its sequel. The story picks up right after Jesus’ resurrection, when he appears to the disciples, ascends into heaven, and sends the Holy Spirit to empower them.

Reading Acts helps you understand the bold faith and struggles of the first Christians—and sets the stage for Paul’s letters that follow.

Reading James and 1 John

After Acts, two great next steps are James and 1 John. These short letters are easy to understand and filled with memorable truths for new readers.

Most books in the New Testament are epistles (or letters). These writings were sent by apostles to encourage churches and individual believers. Unlike the biographies in the Gospels, epistles give direct spiritual teaching and practical guidance.

• In James, readers learn about faith and works, resisting temptation, and the power of prayer.
• In 1 John, readers discover how to walk in the light, avoid loving the world, and test false teachings.

Reading Paul’s Letters

The apostle Paul wrote 13 of the 27 New Testament books. His letters—also called epistles—include some of the most quoted passages in the Bible, like the “love chapter” in 1 Corinthians 13.

New readers may find Paul’s writings a bit complex at first, but they become easier with practice, prayer, and tools like a good study Bible. Best Bible Commentaries has a great chart that compares different study Bibles—over 50 of them.

Paul’s letters in New Testament order (based on length):

• Romans
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon

It is wise to read Paul’s Letters in the order they appear because Romans is so important to Christian beliefs.

However, if a person desired a suggested reading order based on which ones are easiest to understand, the recommendation would be Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy and Titus, 1-2 Corinthians, Romans, and then Galatians.

Finishing the New Testament

After Paul’s Letters, people should read Hebrews to Revelation, minus James and 1 John, because theOnce you’ve read Paul’s Letters, the next step is to complete the rest of the New Testament—from Hebrews to Revelation (excluding James and 1 John, which we covered earlier).

You can read these in the Bible’s standard order:

Canonical Order:

• Hebrews
• James (see above)
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John (see above)
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude
• Revelation

If you’re looking for an easier, beginner-friendly approach, try this order instead:
Jude → 2 John → 3 John → Hebrews → 1 Peter → 2 Peter → Revelation.

This progression starts with shorter letters and ends with the more symbolic and challenging Book of Revelation.

This reading order is especially helpful for beginners who want to build a Bible reading habit without getting overwhelmed.

Tip: Use a Study Bible

A study Bible can make a big difference—especially when reading symbolic or theological books like Hebrews or Revelation. These editions include helpful tools like:

• Footnotes with historical and cultural context
• Verse-by-verse explanations
• Maps, timelines, and charts

Suggested Reading Order of Old Testament Books

By starting with the three books below, readers will grow in their understanding of God’s creation of the world, sin’s invasion of it, people’s struggles as a result of it, and God’s plan to redeem and overcome it.

• Genesis: Though Genesis is one of the longest books in the Bible, readers love its stories. The first quarter of the book teaches about the origins of the universe, Earth, people, families, work, and sin. The remaining portion of the book tells readers about the origins of the nation of Israel.

• Psalms: Many Bible readers consider Psalms one of their favorite books because of the beauty of its descriptions and the way it speaks for people who long for God, struggle with sin, and live life in a world infected with sin.

• Daniel: The Old Testament prophet Daniel is a shining example of faithfulness to God. Readers love the stories about Daniel risking it all to stand up for his faith and to survive being eaten by lions because of God’s intervention.

The Old Testament contains 39 books. Three beginner-friendly options were listed above (Genesis, Psalms, and Daniel), but what about the rest?

Readers can follow the Bible’s table of contents, but if you’re looking for a suggested reading order based on accessibility, here’s a helpful guide. Use it as a flexible framework to explore and study the Old Testament at your own pace.

Recommended Reading Order for the Rest of the Old Testament:

• Proverbs
• Exodus
• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• Jonah
• 1 and 2 Samuel
• 1 and 2 Kings
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Job
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Solomon
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy
• 1-2 Chronicles
• Ezekiel
• 12 Minor Prophets (Hosea-Malachi, minus Jonah)

What Is a Study Bible (and Why Use One)?

A Study Bible is one of the best tools for anyone new to reading Scripture. These Bibles include explanatory notes, cross-references, maps, charts, timelines, and visual aids that help readers understand the meaning of the text and its historical background.

Every major English Bible translation offers at least one Study Bible edition. They’re especially helpful for navigating more challenging books like Leviticus, Isaiah, or Revelation.

If you’re wondering which Study Bible is best for beginners, here are three great options:

• The NIV Study Bible – Features full-color pictures, detailed maps, and thousands of explanatory notes. A great all-around option.

• The ESV Study Bible – Known for its theological depth. It includes thousands of notes and dozens of articles, though it has fewer images.

• The NLT Study Bible – User-friendly, visually rich, and designed with accessibility in mind. Ideal for new readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓What is the best order to read the Bible for beginners?
Start with the Gospels (especially John), then Acts, James, and 1 John. From there, work through Paul’s easier letters and then explore the Old Testament.

❓Should I read the Bible front to back?
It’s not necessary. The Bible isn’t strictly chronological. Beginning with the New Testament gives clarity about Jesus, which helps you better understand the Old.

❓Is it okay to skip some books?
Yes—for a season. Focus on readable and foundational books first, then build up to more difficult ones like Leviticus or Ezekiel.

❓Where should I start in the Old Testament?
Begin with Genesis, Psalms, and Daniel. They’re rich in story, prayer, and examples of faithful living.

❓ How long does it take to read the entire Bible?
It depends on your pace and plan. Reading the Bible in one year takes about 12–15 minutes a day. But there’s no rush—reading slowly and reflectively can lead to deeper understanding.

❓ Should I use a Bible reading plan?
Yes, a reading plan provides structure and helps you stay consistent. Some plans go chronologically, others topically, and many follow a one-year schedule. Choose one that fits your goals and schedule.

❓ What Bible translation should I use as a beginner?
Beginner-friendly translations include the New Living Translation (NLT) and New International Version (NIV). They’re clear, readable, and accurate. The ESV is also popular for those who want a slightly more literal translation.

❓ Do I need to understand everything I read?
No—and that’s okay. Some parts of the Bible are challenging. Focus on what you do understand and ask God for guidance. Use a Study Bible or trusted resources to help with the rest.