What Is the Best Order to Read the Bible?

Reading the Bible from cover to cover can be very intimidating and confusing. The books in the Bible were arranged according to the type of book it is. But this does not mean we have to read it in that order. There is no right or wrong order or way to read the Bible, it is a personal choice.

How to Start Reading the Bible

Do not let intimidation keep you from reading the Bible, the more you read and study, the more you will understand the books, their history, and the meaning of the verses.

Pick a time of the day when you can give your full attention to the books. Pick a Bible that you understand if it is the first time you are reading one, the KJV could be difficult to read. Also, have other resources, like a concordance, to help you understand the Bible book you are reading.

Suggested order for reading the Bible

The following order is suggested, because not only is the book one of the shorter Bible books to read, but it also gives you an overview of the story of salvation, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Although Genesis is the first book of the Bible, it can be overwhelming to read with all the genealogies. It is also one of the longer books to read.

Below we go through how you can start and suggest an order that may work for you:

1. The book of John. The story of where Jesus came from, his mission, and function.
2. The book of James. Enduring diligence during trials and temptations.
3. The book of Mark. Overcoming evil forces.
4. The book of Genesis. The story of the creation.
5. The book of Exodus. The story of the Burning Bush and the function of Moses.
6. The book of Romans. Explains that Jesus Christ is offering deliverance.
7. The book of Galatians. Validation of people through faith and encourages them to live as Jesus did.
8. The book of 1 John. Love and companionship with God.
9. The book of Matthew. Traces Jesus back to the biblical father Abraham.
10. The book of Luke. The parallel miraculous births of Jesus and John the Baptist.
11. The book of Acts. Because the Jews rejected Jesus’s message, it was sent to the Gentiles.
12. The book of Ephesians. Jesus is the answer to the broken world.
13. The book of Colossians. God is maintaining the universe.
14. The rest of the Old and New Testament books.

Do not try to read the whole Bible in one day. It is better to read 5-10 verses a day. After reading the scriptures, give yourself a few minutes to think and pray over what you have read.