Where to Start Reading the Bible (5 Great Books for Beginners)

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

If you picked up a novel and started reading from chapter one, that would make perfect sense. But the Bible isn't a novel. It is a library of 66 different books, all bound together between two covers.

Because of this, starting at "Page 1" (Genesis) isn't always the best move. While the stories of creation and the flood are amazing, many new readers hit a wall when they reach the complex laws and genealogies that follow shortly after.

If you are new to the Bible in 2026, you want to start somewhere that helps you understand the heart of the message immediately. You want clarity, not confusion.

So, where should you put your bookmark first? Here are our top five recommendations.

In short:

Which book of the Bible should a beginner read first?
Beginners should avoid starting at the very beginning of the Old Testament. Instead, the best place to start is the Gospel of Mark (for a fast-paced biography of Jesus) or the Gospel of John (for a relational understanding of God's love). For those seeking comfort, the Psalms offer poetry and prayer. For practical life advice, Proverbs is ideal. Finally, Ephesians is a great starting point for understanding what it means to be a Christian.

1. The Action Movie: The Gospel of Mark

Best for: The reader who wants the facts, fast.

If you want to know who Jesus is and what he actually did, start here. Mark is the shortest and fastest of the four Gospels (biographies of Jesus). The most common word in the book is "immediately." Jesus moves from one miracle to the next with urgency. It is punchy, direct, and doesn't get bogged down in long speeches. It is the perfect introduction to the central figure of the faith.

2. The Love Story: The Gospel of John

Best for: The reader who wants to feel connected.

While Mark focuses on what Jesus did, John focuses on who Jesus is. This book contains some of the most famous verses in the world (like John 3:16) and is filled with metaphors. Jesus calls himself the "Light of the World," the "Good Shepherd," and the "Bread of Life." If you want to understand the spiritual and relational side of Christianity, John is a beautiful place to start.

3. The Playlist: The Book of Psalms

Best for: The reader who needs comfort or needs to vent.

The Psalms aren't stories; they are songs. They are the unfiltered emotions of people talking to God. You will find poems about joy and worship, but you will also find anger, fear, and deep sadness. Reading the Psalms teaches you that you don't have to "clean up" your emotions before you talk to God. You can come to him exactly as you are.

4. The User Manual: The Book of Proverbs

Best for: The reader who wants practical advice.

If you aren't ready for history or theology yet, and you just want wisdom for your daily life, go to Proverbs. It is a collection of short, pithy sayings about money, relationships, work, pride, and speech.

• Pro Tip: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. Try reading the chapter that matches today's date (e.g., on the 15th of the month, read Proverbs 15).

5. The Identity Letter: The Book of Ephesians

Best for: The reader who asks, "So, I am a Christian... now what?"

Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul. It is split into two clear halves. The first half tells you who you are (loved, chosen, forgiven). The second half tells you how to live (how to treat your family, how to work, how to handle conflict). It is arguably the best summary of the Christian life in the entire Bible.

Find a Bible That Helps You Read

Knowing where to read is half the battle. The other half is having a Bible that is easy to read. If you are struggling with tiny text or old-fashioned language, it might be time for an upgrade.

Find Your Perfect Beginner Bible Here

The most important thing isn't where you start, but that you do start. Pick one of these five books today, read the first chapter, and see what happens.

Not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.