Can anyone guide me how to start reading the bible?

Answer 1

I am thrilled that you want to start reading the Bible! If I can be of any further assistance, please e-mail me. My address is in my profile. Many people have the same trouble you've had reading the Bible, and it can be difficult to understand if you don't know how to go about it. It's helpful to remember that the Bible actually is like a library—a collection of books (some long, some brief), written under the inspiration of God by many authors over hundreds of years.

But just as you wouldn't walk into a library for the first time and start by reading the very first book on the shelf, so you won't necessarily want to start by reading the first book in the Bible. Instead of starting at the beginning, therefore (like you do with most books), I suggest instead you start with what I call the Bible's "center": the four Gospels. (I often suggest people begin with the Gospel of John.)

The Gospels tell us about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus—and once you understand who He is and what He has done for you, the rest of the Bible will begin to make sense. Make the Bible part of your life every day, because "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105).

Answer 2

You have already received a lot of good advice. The New Testament covers the life of Jesus and the beginning of Christianity. The first three books seem repetitive as they are synoptic gospels (same story three perspectives). The rest of the NT covers the continuing of the faith and what to do and avoid as a Christian.

The Old Testament is how God started it all and the beginning of the Jewish tribe and leads to Jesus. It is full of Historical details as it relates with the Israelites and their relationship to God. It can be quite confusing especially Leviticus and Numbers.

So you need to decide what you need to do more. Since I do not know where you are in your walk it is hard to say which way you need to go. If you are a new believer start in the NT and do some reading in Proverbs and Psalms with them. You can add Ruth and Esther too as they are short and have a wonderful account of how God used two women of faith.

If you are fairly established and you have been neglecting your studies it is fair to say that either is a good way to go. I would lean toward the OT as most Church teaching will be out of the NT.

As long as you read you can hardly go wrong. Getting a good translation helps as well. The King James Version was written around the 1600's and has the language of Shakespear. It is great for quotes and reading the poetic portions to the Bible but most people have a hard time with it. If you can get a couple or check out hard passages on line at www.biblegateway.com

Answer 3

There are many different plans and perspectives on how a person should start reading the Bible. Some people advise others to start with the gospel of John and learn about Jesus. Other people say to start with Genesis and just work your way through it. Then there are Bible daily reading plans where you read from both the Old and New Testaments.

It really all depends upon where you are at, whether or not you are already a Christian, and what you are hoping to get out of your reading. You can download a free Bible reading plan by clicking on the link of my Pastor's Enduring Truth web site @ http://www.enduringtruth.org

You can also listen to his sound Biblical teaching for free by clicking on the Listen Now icon and following the link from that page. Pastor Paul has been described by at least one person as a cross between Martin Luther King and Martin Lawrence because he teaches the word in an easy to understand manner with humorous anecdotes mixed in along the way.

Right now he is teaching from the book of 1 Corinthians and is currently discussing a Biblical view of marriage and singleness.

Answer 4

Do pray first, even if you are not a believer so to speak, you can pray as a seeker of truth. Ask God to show you His heart, ask Him to help you with the things you don't believe.
Get a more modern translation, such as the NIV or RSV, this will help immensely especially if you are not well versed in old English.
As the others suggested, start with the gospels, but do not neglect reading the old testament. Do some study on how the council determined which manuscripts to include in the Bible we read.
Do not give up and if you have questions about specific passages feel free to e-mail just about anyone who is a Christian or find a local Bible study group and ask them.
God bless you for asking.

Answer 5

I would start with the book of John.
Check out Galatians and Ephesians.

There are web sites,with devotionals, that will guide you through the Bible a verse or two daily.

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml

Through The Bible has a wonderful in-depth study of the Bible on CD.

http://www.thruthebible.org/

Answer 6

You should first become aware that the bible is a library, not a novel.
You should use it as reference materials first. Get familiar with how to find subjects and locate what each book has to say on any subject. Some books will not have a given subject.
Once you can find your way around the various books, then go ahead and read 5-10 pages each day to complete a reading in a year.
Now, however, I suggest you study with someone knowledgeable. Someone you can discuss the topics with.
link below

Answer 7

Before you jump in to reading the Bible, you may want to consider finding a good book on the history of early Christianity and a book on Judaism. It's necessary to understand the background of the Bible before reading what's in it- who wrote it, why, and for what audience is key to understanding what's going on in it. The synoptic gospels were very much influenced by the person writing it, the message he wanted to convey and to what audience he was trying to reach.

I realize I will probably get a lot of thumbs-downs from Christians for this, but honestly, if you are not a Christian and you want to read the Bible, you need to know who and what began this whole movement and where it all happened in order to see what's going on in these books in a clear light.

Answer 8

I would suggest " In the beginning." The old testament has many prophecies that lead up to Jesus's time and beyond. Just reading the bible is one thing ...but understanding it is another. I would suggest making notes as you go along if there is something you are unsure of. Then ask someone....but don't just take that someones word and believe it to be truth.Do the research yourself and reach your own understanding as to what you believe or how you see it....how you feel it....the more you read.....the better things will come together for you. And most important....before you start reading.....just ask God for direction and help in understanding. He knows what's in your heart

And I disagree with Barney R.....we all need someone to help us with it's meaning....even Jesus's disciples asked him things which they didn't understand. If we don't ask ...we won't know.

Answer 9

Your answerers that told you to start in the Gospel of John are dead on. Reading it twice is a GREAT idea. Then reading through the entire New Testament twice is highly recommended.
Then when you read the Old Testament you will see Christ there is almost ever verse. Even in the genealogies if you want to do a study on them. I will hold you up to My Lord that He will show you His love and power through His word... Jim

Answer 10

I agree with the others. Pray first, and ask for understanding. Then, start with the Matthew and read the first 4 books. Just a few chapters each day.

Revelations is hard to understand, and it is scary. You may want to have someone who understands the scriptures well to guide you thru that book.