Trustpilot
Becoming a Christian is the beginning of an incredible adventure! You're filled with excitement, maybe a few nerves, and a desire to learn more about God. One of the first things you'll want to do is open the Bible for yourself. But with 66 books spanning thousands of years, the immediate question is: where on earth do I even start?
Feeling a little overwhelmed is completely normal. The Bible is a big book! But getting started doesn't have to be complicated. The goal isn't to understand everything overnight, but simply to begin meeting Jesus in the pages of Scripture.
This simple guide is designed to give you a clear, easy starting point and a few helpful tips to begin your Bible reading journey with confidence.
The best place for a new Christian to start reading the Bible is the Gospel of John, as it clearly introduces Jesus's life and core teachings; using an easy-to-read translation like the NLT or NIV will also make the experience much smoother.
The Simple Answer: Start with the Gospel of John
If you're looking for the single best place to begin, start with the Gospel of John. Why John?
- It's All About Jesus: John's primary focus is showing you who Jesus is – His identity, His love, His purpose. As a new Christian, getting to know Jesus is the most important thing.
- It's Accessible: While profound, John's language is relatively straightforward. He explains key concepts clearly.
- It Addresses Your Big Questions: John directly tackles foundational questions like "Who is God?", "What is faith?", and "How can I have eternal life?".
Reading John first gives you a beautiful and solid foundation for understanding the rest of the Bible. Aim to read a chapter a day, or even just half a chapter. Don't rush it; let the words sink in.
Choosing the Right Tool: An Easy-to-Read Bible
Just as important as where you start is which Bible you use. Trying to begin with a difficult, archaic translation like the King James Version can be incredibly frustrating. Choose a modern, easy-to-read translation that uses clear, natural English. The two best choices are:
- NLT (New Living Translation): Warm, relational, and the easiest to read. Perfect for devotional reading.
- NIV (New International Version): Balanced, popular, and used in most UK churches. Great all-rounder.
Pairing one of these translations with a good Study Bible is the ultimate setup for a beginner. Study Bibles include helpful notes at the bottom of the page that explain confusing verses and answer your questions as you read.
What Next After John?
Once you've finished the Gospel of John, where should you go next? Here are a few great options:
- Mark: Another Gospel, but shorter, faster-paced, and full of action. It gives you a different perspective on Jesus's life.
- Philippians: A short, joyful letter written by the Apostle Paul, full of encouragement and practical wisdom for living the Christian life.
- James: A very practical letter focused on living out your faith in tangible ways. Think of it as "faith in action."
- Genesis: Now that you know Jesus (from John), going back to the beginning to understand God's creation and His promises can be incredibly powerful.
3 Simple Tips for Getting Started
- Pray First: Before you read, ask God to open your heart and mind to understand what He wants to say to you.
- Read a Little, Often: Consistency is key. Aim for 10-15 minutes each day rather than trying to read for hours once a week.
- Don't Worry About Understanding Everything: It's okay to have questions! Just focus on the main message. Understanding grows over time.
Welcome to the most exciting journey! Opening God's Word is the beginning of a lifetime of discovery. Be patient with yourself, choose the right tools, and enjoy getting to know the God who loves you.
Need help choosing your first Bible? Our Bible Finder tool can give you a recommendation in just a few clicks.
Still not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.
