For those who are new to reading the Bible, it can be intimidating to know where to start. There are 66 books in the Bible, written by different authors over a span of thousands of years. With so much content, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, by following a few guidelines, beginners can find a starting point that works for them.
One common recommendation is to start with the New Testament, specifically the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books tell the story of Jesus Christ and his teachings, making them a great starting point for those who want to learn about Christianity. Another option is to start with the book of Genesis, which provides an overview of the creation of the world and the beginning of human history. From there, readers can move on to other books in the Old Testament.
It’s important to note that there is no one “correct” order to read the Bible. Different people have different preferences and goals when it comes to reading the Bible, and what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, the most important thing is to approach the Bible with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Understanding the Bible Structure
Before diving into the question of what order a beginner should read the Bible, it is important to understand its structure. The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament consists of 39 books, while the New Testament consists of 27 books.
Old Testament Overview
The Old Testament is divided into four main sections: the Pentateuch, the Historical Books, the Poetic Books, and the Prophets. The Pentateuch includes the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books contain stories of creation, the patriarchs, and the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.
The Historical Books include Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. These books cover the history of the Israelites from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
The Poetic Books include Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. These books contain poetry, wisdom literature, and love songs.
The Prophets include major prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and minor prophets such as Hosea, Joel, and Malachi. These books contain prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the future of Israel.
New Testament Overview
The New Testament is divided into four main sections: the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. The Gospels include Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and they tell the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection.
The Acts of the Apostles is a historical book that tells the story of the early Christian church and the spread of Christianity.
The Epistles include letters written by the apostles to various churches and individuals. These letters contain teachings and instructions on Christian living.
The Book of Revelation is a prophetic book that contains visions of the end times and the second coming of Christ.
It is important for beginners to understand the structure of the Bible so that they can navigate it more easily and understand the context of each book.
When it comes to what book a beginner should read first, there is no one right answer. Some recommend starting with the Gospels, as they provide an introduction to Jesus and his teachings. Others recommend starting with Genesis, as it provides a foundation for the rest of the Bible. Ultimately, the decision of where to start should be based on personal preference and what the reader hopes to gain from their Bible reading.