I want to read the bible, do you have any suggestions as to what order (the books)?

Question

Im a new Christian and want to read the bible, but have heard there are better options than reading it straight through. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Um... Don't become Christian. Simple as that.

Answer 2

Do not read it straight through. You should read one of the gospels first, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Then move on to maybe Genesis in the Old Testament. The Old Testament can be read straight through because it is mostly in sequential order, but I suggest reading most of the New Testament, at least the gospels, before starting the Old Testament. Also, Psalms is a great book to read anytime. Since this is your first time reading the Bible, you may want to get a New International Version (NIV) study Bible because it is slightly more paraphrased and easier to read than a lot of the other versions. Then after you have mastered that, you can move on to a more literally translated Bible like NASB or KJV.

Make sure you get plugged in at a good bible-teaching church, too. Being fed by the Word at church is very important. Also try to join a Bible study group that is directed towards your age group and find people your age who can help you.

Good luck! If you have any more questions, feel free to message me.

Answer 3

Hi cowgirl,

Get a good study bible, my fave is the NIV Study Bible (Zondervan) - it's got a lot of good info and background in it. Usually, they tell a person to read the gospel of John first, I don't know why. I think any of the gospels would be cool. Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.

If you read it straight through from Genesis on, you'll likely get bogged down somewhere in Exodus, the second book. While it is great, Exodus goes into a LOT of detail about the temple, and regulations for priests, etc.

Genesis is a great read though. So I suggest reading one of the gospels (Luke is my personal favorite, because I am a historian, and Luke has the historian's eye), and read Genesis concurrently with that. Just a suggestion.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am not a Christian, but have been getting back into the bible...

Love, Jack

Answer 4

Start with the Gospel of John. This is always recommended reading for New Christians, as it creates a foundation for the Why, What and Where's of having a personal relationship with Jesus. Also, John is best at helping ppl understand Jesus.
After that, read Matthew, Mark and Luke then continue through the New Testament.
Understanding the Old Testament is much easier after you have a Christian Foundation and are willing to devote a lot of time to study and research.
Also, please buy a Bible Concordance, and a Bible Dictionary. Great for explaining things.
The best Bible I have is called The Full Life Study Bible in the KJV version. The footnotes are excellant.

Answer 5

What wonderful news! Welcome to the family of God! It's so refreshing to hear that someone else has accepted Christ.

Many people start with the book of John. I found a great Bible through Guideposts (see link below). Their Daily Bible: "Detailed Description
The Daily Bible presents all the stories and events in the Old and New Testaments in chronological order, just as they happened in history. With the NIV translation, the most popular modern version of the Scriptures, events will unfold before you like an epic novel with a clear timeline. Plus, The Daily Bible contains devotional commentary that will lead you smoothly through Scripture with historical and spiritual insights. There are 365 convenient daily reading segments arranged so you can read all of God's Word in one year. This Exclusive Guideposts Special Edition features a personal introduction by the author, F. LeGard Smith."

We have about 2 months to go to finish our first time reading the entire Bible. Their historical and spiritual insights have enhanced our understanding of what we've read. I think a new Christian, such as yourself, would benefit from reading the Bible in this format.

Answer 6

Hun, Think about why it is that you want to become a Christian and explore all other religions before making a final decision. The Bible is an excellent History Text, when I read it I read it straight through that is the easiest way to make sense of everything that happens because if you got a Devotional Bible you would have to keep a notebook and take notes as you read. Please do get a copy of "101 Contradictions of the Bible" when you compare you will be quite suprised.

Answer 7

Most new Christians start with the New Testament, and then read the old. Since most of the Gospels parallel each other, You can read Matthew, skip to John, and then read straight through the New Testamen (come back to Mark & Luke later).

If something in the Bible confuses you, just keep reading and don't stop. It will become clear to you as you read more (and if not, ask your pastor).

This link might also help:

Answer 8

The best way is to start with Genesis and Matthew. Then read something like Ephesians and also Hebrews (NT). And then also make sure to read Exodus. I think 1 and 2nd Thessalonians should be read as we are now in the last days, those are short books and so is Ephesians. I would say read those 7 books first. But at least read Genesis, Matthew, Ephesians, Exodus, Hebrews, 1 and 2nd Thessalonians (how silly of me, actually I can not see doing without those 7 books, they are essential and will give somewhat of a rounded piture of most of everything.)

David

Answer 9

Start with the Gospel of John. Then go to the other three gospels, no particular order. Then finish the New Testament. Then read Deuteronomy. There you will see many of Jesus' teachings, verbatim. Then go back to John and read it again. Then the other three gospels again. Then read Genesis and Exodus. Then start with Joshua and go through the Old Testament. Save Leviticus and Numbers for last. Also, be very careful with Revelation in the NT. It is usually terribly misinterpreted. Also, be careful with the OT book of Daniel, and run when anybody tries to link Revelation with Daniel.

Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Id recommend starting off with the Book of John or Luke. Then go romans. After that start off with Genesis to the end of the old testement. Pick up with Matthew and read the rest of the new testement.

Id say this becuase youll get a much better understand of the new testement after you read the old testement. Luke though will give you Jesus family line and you can remember them when you go through the new testement.

Ask a pastor what he recommends as well.

Answer 11

Go to the book store, buy a King James Bible and read it from the begining. But you can read the books of the bible in any order, once you're familiar with it and if praying for a healing.