A great place to start reading the Bible is with the Gospels in the New Testament—specifically Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The Gospels tell the life story, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ from different perspectives, making them foundational and accessible starting points for understanding the Christian faith. Among these, John is often recommended for new readers due to its focus on Jesus' love and grace. Other suggested starting points include:
- The Book of Genesis, which covers creation, the fall, and the early stories of the patriarchs, providing essential background for the entire Bible.
- Proverbs and Psalms in the Old Testament, which offer wisdom, poetry, and prayers that are shorter and easier to digest.
- The letters (epistles) such as Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians, which address practical issues for Christian living and theology.
Starting with a Gospel and then moving to Acts (which describes the early church), followed by Genesis, can give a balanced introduction to the Bible’s big picture. It's also recommended to read slowly, meditate on the passages, and possibly use study tools or commentary to enhance understanding. The Bible is a life-long journey, so you can always return to different books as you grow.
In summary, starting with the Gospel of John or Matthew is a widely encouraged approach for beginners.