Bible Basics
New to the Bible? Here are some helpful starting points to guide your journey.
If you're brand new to the Bible, here are some good places to start:
- The Gospel of John - A great introduction to Jesus and His teachings
- Psalms - Beautiful poetry expressing human emotions to God
- Proverbs - Practical wisdom for everyday living
- Genesis chapters 1-11 - The beginning of everything
It's better to read small portions consistently than to try reading too much at once. Maybe start with a chapter a day from John, and a Psalm or Proverb.
The Bible is actually a collection of 66 smaller books written over about 1,500 years. It's divided into two main sections:
Old Testament (39 books)
- Law (Genesis-Deuteronomy): The beginning of the world and God's covenant with Israel
- History (Joshua-Esther): The story of Israel as a nation
- Poetry & Wisdom (Job-Song of Solomon): Reflections on life and worship
- Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi): God's messages to His people
New Testament (27 books)
- Gospels (Matthew-John): The life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus
- History (Acts): The early church
- Letters (Romans-Jude): Teachings and guidance for Christians
- Prophecy (Revelation): Visions about the future
The terms "Old" and "New" Testament refer to two covenants (agreements) between God and people:
Old Testament
- Written before Jesus' birth (1400-400 BC)
- Focuses on God's relationship with Israel
- Contains the Law given through Moses
- Points forward to a coming Messiah
- Originally written mostly in Hebrew
New Testament
- Written after Jesus' resurrection (40-100 AD)
- Focuses on Jesus and the early Church
- Explains how Jesus fulfilled the Law
- Shows how salvation is available to all people
- Originally written in Greek
Both Testaments are equally part of God's Word. The New Testament builds on the foundation of the Old Testament, revealing more of God's plan.
There are several reasons why parts of the Bible can be challenging:
- Cultural distance - It was written 2,000-3,500 years ago in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures
- Language differences - It was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek
- Literary styles - It contains history, poetry, letters, laws, parables, and apocalyptic literature
- Spiritual dimension - Understanding the Bible involves both your mind and heart
Helpful Tips
- Use a readable translation like NIV, NLT, or ESV
- Start with easier books (Gospels, Psalms) before tackling harder ones
- Read with other people - join a Bible study group
- Use study resources like study Bibles or commentaries
- Remember that the main message of salvation through Jesus is clear, even if some details are complex
30-Day Beginner's Reading Plan
Here's a simple plan to get you started. Read one passage each day:
- John 1:1-18 (The Word became flesh)
- Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)
- Genesis 1:1-31 (Creation)
- Matthew 5:1-16 (Beatitudes)
- Romans 8:28-39 (More than conquerors)
- Proverbs 3:1-12 (Trust in the Lord)
- John 3:1-21 (Born again)
- 1 Corinthians 13 (Love chapter)
- Genesis 6:9-22, 7:1-5 (Noah's Ark)
- Matthew 6:5-15 (Lord's Prayer)
- Philippians 4:4-13 (Rejoice in the Lord)
- Psalm 139:1-18 (Fearfully and wonderfully made)
- John 14:1-14 (Way, truth, life)
- Isaiah 40:28-31 (Those who hope in the Lord)
- Exodus 20:1-17 (Ten Commandments)
- Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)
- Romans 12:1-21 (Living sacrifice)
- Psalm 1 (Blessed is the one)
- John 15:1-17 (Vine and branches)
- James 1:19-27 (Doers of the word)
- Genesis 12:1-9 (Call of Abraham)
- Matthew 7:24-29 (House on the rock)
- Galatians 5:16-26 (Fruit of the Spirit)
- Psalm 51:1-17 (Create in me a clean heart)
- John 21:15-25 (Feed my sheep)
- 1 John 4:7-21 (God is love)
- Luke 10:25-37 (Good Samaritan)
- Hebrews 11:1-16 (Faith chapter)
- Psalm 121 (My help comes from the Lord)
- Revelation 21:1-8 (New heaven and new earth)