Bible: Where to Read and How to Get Started

To start reading the Bible, choose a translation you understand, open Mark’s Gospel and read one short passage. If you want to find a particular verse, use its book, chapter and verse reference rather than searching through pages. You can begin with a printed copy, an online text or audio; you do not need to buy study materials first.

Find a Bible passage by book, chapter and verse

A reference works like an address. In Mark 1:1, Mark names the book, the first number identifies the chapter and the number after the colon identifies the verse. Mark 1:1-8 means verses one to eight in that chapter. Some references use a full stop instead of a colon. The numbering helps readers locate a passage (Scripture reference guide).

In print, start with the contents page. Find the book, turn to its opening page, then look for the chapter number and the smaller verse numbers. Practise with one reference before trying to follow several at once.

If you have no copy, search online for “EasyEnglish Bible Mark 1” or “Good News Bible Mark 1”. Choose a result displaying the biblical chapter itself, rather than a shop listing or commentary. These named translations are starting points for reading Scripture; the publisher’s books and devotionals mentioned below are supplementary reading, not substitutes for the text.

Once you have opened a Bible text, use its book and chapter selectors or passage-search field. Read the whole paragraph around a verse, and bookmark the passage so tomorrow’s reading starts where you intended.

Understand the two Testaments

The Bible is a collection of writings rather than one continuous narrative. Its Old Testament includes accounts of creation and Israel’s history, laws, wisdom, poetry and prophetic writings. Its New Testament includes the four Gospels, Acts, letters and Revelation. The Gospels introduce Jesus’ life, teaching, death and resurrection; Acts follows the beginnings of the Church (Christian reading introduction).

Notice the kind of writing before deciding how to read it. Try reading a poem aloud and noticing its images. With a letter, ask whom the writer addresses and what concern prompts the advice. With a story, follow the sequence before deciding what a character’s action means for you.

You may also encounter different contents pages. Protestant editions usually contain 66 books, while Catholic editions contain 73; Orthodox collections differ again. These differences concern which writings churches receive as Scripture, rather than simply the translation’s wording.

Choose a Bible translation you can follow

Start by reading the same short passage in two versions. Can you explain what happens without repeatedly stopping over unfamiliar language? If you attend church, ask which translation is used in services so you can follow shared readings more easily.

For everyday language, the Good News Bible is one option; EasyEnglish uses short sentences and common words. These are useful starting points when vocabulary makes reading difficult, as the Diocese of York’s beginner reading guidance explains.

Separate the translation from the edition. The translation determines the wording of Scripture; an edition may add introductions, explanatory notes, maps or space for writing. Sample the text at its actual size before choosing a printed copy. For digital reading, adjust the font and spacing before deciding whether the wording suits you.

Try one version for your main reading and consult another when a sentence puzzles you. You do not need to choose a permanent favourite before beginning, or purchase several copies to take your first steps.

Begin with Mark and keep the surrounding story

Mark is the shortest Gospel and offers a starting point centred on Jesus. Luke followed by Acts is another route, while the Psalms offer songs and prayers expressing emotions including grief, fear, hope and trust.

For a first session, try Mark 1:1-8. Read it once for the sequence, then again for details. Write down who appears, what happens and one question. Leave the question open if the passage does not answer it. Continue with the next paragraph on another day rather than jumping between disconnected verses.

Use three prompts: What does this passage actually communicate? What needs explaining? What response might follow from what I have understood? Keep observation separate from application. A thought that comes to mind while reading deserves reflection, but it should not replace attention to the words in front of you.

Make room for reading, listening and prayer

Try a ten-minute session: six minutes reading, two considering a question and two praying. These timings are a suggested starting point, not a spiritual requirement. If you prefer listening, pause after one passage and retell its main movement in your own words.

For audio, choose a chapter you can return to easily. Keep its reference beside your notes so you can look up an unfamiliar name later. For a shared session, agree on one passage and invite each person to mention something they noticed without requiring private disclosures.

Keep a devotional reflection beside the passage rather than using it as a replacement. Choose a reflection short enough to leave time for the passage itself. After reading, pause to express one concern or one reason for gratitude in your own words.

Keep questions beside the passage

When something troubles you, record the exact verse and your question. Try asking, “Who is speaking here?” or “What happened immediately before this?” rather than deciding that you must understand an entire book before continuing. Bring the passage to a trusted church leader or reading group for discussion.

Set a modest first goal: return to the same book several times this week. Keep your place with a bookmark and resume after interruptions without adding catch-up sessions. Let understanding, questions and prayer shape the pace rather than the number of pages completed.

If you later want a printed study edition, set a spending ceiling and include delivery before ordering. The example below is a hypothetical budget, not a quoted product price.

Suppose your spending ceiling is £25.00, a study edition costs £18.00 and delivery costs £3.00. The delivered total is £18.00 + £3.00 = £21.00, leaving £4.00 within your ceiling.

Begin with the text you can access today and one passage you can attend to thoughtfully. Gospel Daily offers biblical articles and devotionals for Christian encouragement (faith and mission introduction); for reading to accompany your passage, explore the Gospel Daily books collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote the Bible?

Its writings came through many human authors over centuries. Some books identify a writer or recipient; others do not name an author, and some attributions are debated.

What languages was the Bible written in?

Its original languages were Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. English versions are translations from those ancient languages.