In What Order Should I Read the Bible? (A Beginner’s Guide)

Published October 21, 2026

Starting to read the Bible can feel daunting. Should you begin with Genesis, follow the books in canonical order, or start with the Gospels?

If you’re wondering in what order should I read the Bible, beginning with the Gospels is a practical option. They introduce Jesus’ life and teachings before you explore the Old Testament’s history, the early Church, and the letters that explain Christian faith.

There’s no single required order for personal Bible reading. Your choice should help you understand Scripture, read consistently, and grow in your relationship with God. The sequence below offers one starting point and alternatives for readers who prefer a chronological or traditional approach.

In What Order Should I Read the Bible as a Beginner?

A Christ-centered reading sequence starts with Jesus, introduces the foundations of the biblical story, and then explores the early Church and Christian teaching.

This reading plan offers one possible path through Scripture, beginning with the Gospels before exploring the Old Testament, the early Church, and Christian teaching. You can adapt the sequence to your reading goals and familiarity with the Bible.

1. Mark and John: Begin With the Life of Jesus

Start with Mark and John. Mark offers a concise account of Jesus’ ministry, suffering, death, and Resurrection. John explores His identity and mission through extended teachings, conversations, and signs.

As you read, notice how Jesus treats others, teaches His disciples, and calls people to faith.

2. Genesis and Exodus: Understand the Foundations of the Biblical Story

Genesis introduces creation, humanity’s relationship with God, Abraham and his descendants, and the beginnings of Israel’s history. Exodus recounts the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt, the covenant at Mount Sinai, and the instructions given to Israel.

These books establish themes such as creation, sin, covenant, and deliverance. They also provide context for understanding references to Israel’s history and Scriptures throughout the New Testament.

Some passages, especially the laws and tabernacle instructions in Exodus, may require more attention. Read them in context and use reliable study notes when necessary.

3. Romans and Galatians: Explore Faith and Grace

Paul’s letters to the Romans and Galatians explore sin, grace, faith in Christ, and the role of the Mosaic Law in God’s relationship with his people.

Romans develops Paul’s teaching about God’s saving work in Christ, while Galatians addresses questions about the Law, God’s promises, and faith in Christ. Your reading of Genesis and Exodus will help you recognize references to Abraham and the covenant.

These letters contain complex theological arguments. Instead of treating them as simple summaries of Christian doctrine, consider their historical context and read difficult passages alongside the surrounding text.

4. 1 John: Reflect on Faith and Christian Love

First John connects belief in Christ with love for God and neighbor. Its teaching encourages readers to consider how faith shapes their relationships and daily conduct.

As you read, reflect on how Christian love becomes visible through actions, not just words.

5. Matthew and Luke: Explore Jesus’ Teachings in Greater Detail

Matthew and Luke offer further perspectives on Jesus’ life and ministry.

Matthew frequently connects Jesus’ teachings with the Old Testament. Luke emphasizes Jesus’ encounters with people from different backgrounds, including those who are poor or marginalized.

Reading these Gospels after Mark and John lets you revisit familiar events and notice additional details without assuming every account follows the same sequence.

6. Acts: Discover the Beginnings of the Church

The Acts of the Apostles resumes the narrative after Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension. It describes Pentecost, the early Christian community, the apostles’ preaching, and the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem.

Acts also provides context for Paul’s missionary journeys and the communities addressed in his letters.

7. Ephesians and Colossians: Deepen Your Understanding of Christian Life

Ephesians explores the Church, unity among believers, reconciliation, and Christian conduct. Colossians emphasize Christ’s central place in creation and the life of the Church.

These letters connect Christian belief with everyday life. Pay attention to how their teachings about Christ inform their guidance on relationships, responsibilities, and faithful living.

8. Continue Through the Rest of Scripture

Once you have completed these books, continue through the remaining Old and New Testament books. Explore the historical books, Psalms, wisdom literature, prophets, remaining letters, and Revelation.

Catholic readers should use a Catholic Bible containing the full Catholic canon: 46 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books. The Old Testament includes Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, as well as additional passages in Esther and Daniel. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ list of biblical books provides the full canonical arrangement.

The goal isn’t simply to finish a reading plan. It’s to develop a fuller understanding of Scripture over time.

What Are the Different Ways to Read the Bible in Order?

Your preferred reading method depends on what you want to accomplish. Three common approaches can help you choose.

Canonical Order: Read the Books in Their Traditional Arrangement

Canonical order follows the sequence in which the books appear in your Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The reading sequence above differs by introducing selected books first.

This method provides a systematic way to read the entire collection. The Bible includes different literary forms, from historical narratives and laws to poetry, prophetic writings, letters, and apocalyptic literature. Each requires attention to its context and purpose.

Catholic and Protestant Bibles differ in their Old Testament collections. Use a Catholic edition if you want to read the complete Catholic canon.

Chronological Order: Follow the Biblical Events

Chronological reading plans arrange passages by the approximate timing of the events they describe. Some place prophetic writings alongside the historical periods when the prophets ministered.

This approach can help you recognize historical connections, but biblical chronology isn’t always certain. Some books cover overlapping periods or arrange events for literary or theological purposes.

Choose this method if following the historical storyline helps you make sense of Scripture.

A Combined Old and New Testament Reading Plan

A combined plan alternates between the Old and New Testaments rather than completing one before starting the other.

For example, you might read a passage from Genesis alongside a Gospel passage, or pair a Psalm with a section of Acts. This approach can help you recognize connections between Israel’s history and the New Testament. Choose a combined plan if you prefer variety and want to read from both Testaments regularly.