What Order Should You Read the Bible?

What order should you read the Bible refers to the strategic approach believers use to navigate Scripture’s 66 books. This decision shapes how you encounter biblical events, understand God’s plan for humanity, and build your spiritual foundations. Rather than a single correct method, multiple Bible reading plans exist—each offering distinct advantages for spiritual growth and understanding Scripture.

What Order Should You Read the Bible? The Bible wasn’t written to be read cover-to-cover like a novel. Ancient readers encountered individual scrolls and letters, not bound volumes. Today’s believers face a beautiful dilemma: complete access but potential overwhelm. Choosing your path through God’s Word can mean the difference between transformative faith-building study and abandoned good intentions.

Bible study methods range from chronological timelines that follow biblical history sequentially to thematic approaches exploring specific topics across both Testaments. New believers often start with the Gospels to encounter the life of Jesus firsthand, while others prefer traditional Genesis-to-Revelation reading. Your personality, goals, and experience level all influence which Scripture reading approach works best for your journey toward deeper Christian living and biblical wisdom.

Chronological Order

Reading the Bible chronologically means following the historical timeline of biblical events rather than the traditional book arrangement. This approach reorganizes Scripture to reflect when events actually occurred.

How It Works

The chronological method places Job before Genesis. Why? Scholars believe Job lived during the patriarchal period. You’ll read Samuel and Kings alongside Chronicles, since they cover the same timeframe. The Psalms appear throughout, inserted where David or other authors wrote them.

This Bible timeline approach integrates prophecies with their fulfillment. You’ll see Isaiah’s predictions followed by their New Testament realization. The Gospels merge into a unified account of Jesus’ life and ministry.

Benefits of Chronological Reading

Biblical context becomes clearer when events unfold in sequence. You’ll grasp cause-and-effect relationships that traditional order obscures. The covenant with Israel develops logically from promise to fulfillment.

Historical connections jump out. The conquest of Canaan leads directly into the period of Judges. The kingdom of Israel rises and falls with narrative continuity intact.

God’s plan for humanity emerges with stunning clarity. You’ll trace redemptive history from creation through Christ without jumping backward through time.

Suggested Chronological Reading Order

Early History and Patriarchs

• Job
• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy

Conquest and Settlement

• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth

United Kingdom Period

• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel (with corresponding Psalms)
• 1 Kings 1-11
• Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
• 1 Kings 12-22

Divided Kingdom and Exile

• 2 Kings (interwoven with prophets)
• Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
• Minor prophets based on dating
• 1 & 2 Chronicles

Return and Restoration

• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi

New Testament Era

• Harmonized Gospel account
• Acts (with Paul’s letters inserted chronologically)
• James
• Hebrews
• Peter’s letters
• John’s letters
• Jude
• Revelation

This Bible study method requires a chronological study Bible or detailed plan. Several excellent resources exist online and in print.

Challenges to Consider

Chronological reading demands commitment. You can’t easily jump around or skip sections without losing continuity. Some find the detailed laws in Leviticus challenging early in their journey.

The flow gets interrupted when integrating parallel accounts. Reading four Gospel versions of the same event can feel repetitive—though it deepens understanding of each writer’s perspective.

Book-by-Book (Traditional Order)

The traditional Bible order follows how books appear in most Bibles. Genesis through Revelation. Simple. Straightforward. Familiar.

This method respects the canonical arrangement developed over centuries. Jewish scholars organized the Old Testament into Law, Prophets, and Writings. Early Christians added the New Testament in its current sequence.

Why Traditional Order Works

Reading the Bible cover to cover in traditional order provides a complete scriptural foundation. You won’t miss anything. Every book gets its turn without skipping or rearranging.

The structure makes sense thematically. Law books establish God’s character and expectations. Historical books show Israel’s journey. Wisdom literature offers practical guidance. Prophets call people back to God’s promises.

New Testament flow feels natural. The Gospels introduce Jesus. Acts shows the church’s birth. Letters (Epistles) address early Christian communities. Revelation points toward end times.

Benefits of Traditional Reading

Bible study for beginners often works best with this approach. You’ll know exactly where you are. Friends can easily discuss the same passages with you.

Church teachings typically reference traditional order. Your pastor probably preaches through books sequentially. Following along becomes effortless when you’re reading the same arrangement.

Biblical wisdom accumulates systematically. Proverbs comes after the narrative books establish context for Solomon’s reign. The prophets make more sense after you’ve read the history they reference.

Practical Tips for Success

Don’t get stuck. Many people bog down in Leviticus or Numbers. If detailed laws overwhelm you, skim those sections initially. Return later when you’re ready for depth.

Use a reading plan. Countless daily Bible reading schedules guide you through Scripture in a year. Some spread challenging books across the year rather than tackling them consecutively.

Take notes. Track themes and questions. Notice how later books reference earlier ones. The New Testament constantly quotes the Old Testament—a pattern you’ll catch reading traditionally.

Join a study group. Thematic study groups following traditional order provide accountability and insight. Others’ observations enrich your understanding.

Common Obstacles

Genesis through Deuteronomy takes weeks. The genealogies and laws test patience. Power through—or use a modified plan that intersperses easier books.

Some books feel disconnected from daily life. Chronicles repeats much of Samuel and Kings. Prophets address specific ancient situations. Context helps, but application requires effort.

New Testament First

Starting with the New Testament flips Scripture study upside down. This approach prioritizes the life of Jesus and early Christian teachings before diving into Old Testament background.

Many new believers find this method less intimidating. The New Testament runs about 300 pages versus the Old Testament’s 1,000-plus pages. Jesus’ teachings feel immediately applicable to modern Christian living.

Suggested New Testament First Order

Begin with Gospels

• Mark (shortest, action-packed)
• Luke (detailed narrative)
• Matthew (connects to Old Testament prophecy)
• John (theological depth)

Early Church History

• Acts

Paul’s Letters to Churches

• Romans
• 1 & 2 Corinthians
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Pastoral Letters

• 1 & 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon

General Epistles

• Hebrews
• James
• 1 & 2 Peter
• 1, 2 & 3 John
• Jude

Apocalyptic Literature

• Revelation

Then Old Testament

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 & 2 Samuel
• 1 & 2 Kings
• Psalms (selected)
• Proverbs
• Isaiah
• Daniel
• Minor prophets

Benefits of New Testament Priority

Salvation takes center stage immediately. You’ll understand grace before getting mired in Law. The gospel becomes your foundation for interpreting everything else.

The divinity of Jesus establishes itself through eyewitness accounts. You’ll see miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection firsthand. Faith builds on solid christological ground.

Old Testament references make sense when you circle back. You’ve already encountered New Testament quotes. Now you’ll discover their original context. Prophecies and their fulfillment connect powerfully.

Spiritual foundations form quickly. Paul’s letters address practical Christian living directly. You’ll learn about church community, spiritual gifts, and godly behavior without wading through centuries of Israelite history first.

Potential Drawbacks

You miss God’s plan unfolding chronologically. The Old Testament explains why humanity needed salvation. Jumping straight to Jesus skips the problem that necessitated the solution.

Biblical context for Jesus‘ ministry gets lost. His Jewish background, the Law’s significance, and prophetic expectations remain fuzzy until you read backward.

Some New Testament books assume Old Testament knowledge. Hebrews especially leans heavily on tabernacle imagery and priesthood concepts. Romans quotes Old Testament extensively.

Thematic Order

Thematic Bible reading plans organize Scripture around specific topics rather than chronological or canonical sequence. You might study faith across both Testaments, then move to worship, then suffering and faith.

This Bible study approach suits people with specific questions or needs. Struggling with doubt? Read about faith-building throughout Scripture. Facing trials? Explore biblical perspectives on suffering.

Example Thematic Plan

1: Salvation and Grace

• Romans
• Ephesians
• Isaiah 40-66
• Selected Psalms (32, 51, 103)
• John’s Gospel
• Galatians

2: Wisdom and Righteous Living

• Proverbs
• James
• Ecclesiastes
• Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
• Colossians
• Selected Psalms (1, 19, 119)

3: God’s Character and Promises

• Exodus 3, 19-20, 33-34
• Psalms 8, 23, 46, 90, 139
• Isaiah 6, 40, 55
• John 1, 14-17
• Revelation 1, 4-5, 21-22

4: Faith Heroes and Biblical Role Models

• Genesis 12-50 (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph)
• Hebrews 11
• Ruth
• Daniel 1-6
• Acts (Paul’s missionary journeys)

5: Prayer and Worship

• Psalms (varied)
• Luke 11 (Lord’s Prayer)
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
• Philippians 4:4-7
• Daniel 6, 9
• Nehemiah 1, 9

6: End Times and God’s Ultimate Victory

• Daniel 7-12
• Zechariah 9-14
• Matthew 24-25
• 1 & 2 Thessalonians
• Revelation
• Selected Psalms about God’s reign

Benefits of Thematic Study

Personal growth accelerates when Scripture addresses your current situation. Studying biblical wisdom on marriage strengthens relationships. Exploring God’s promises during hardship brings comfort.

Comprehensive understanding develops faster on specific topics. You’ll see how Scripture addresses themes across centuries and multiple authors. Unity of biblical truth becomes evident.

Old & New Testament integration happens naturally. You’ll bounce between Testaments constantly, seeing connections that sequential reading might miss. The full counsel of God’s Word illuminates each theme.

Flexibility keeps you engaged. Bored with one theme? Switch to another. Themes can last a week or several months depending on depth desired.

Considerations for Thematic Reading

Context sometimes suffers. You’ll read verses stripped from their surrounding chapters. Always note where passages appear to avoid misinterpretation.

Systematic coverage gets messy. You might miss entire books that don’t fit your chosen themes. Balance thematic studies with broader Scripture reading.

Bible study structure requires more planning. You can’t just open to the next page. Research where relevant passages appear across Scripture.

One Old Testament and One New Testament Book Daily

This creative Bible reading method alternates between Testaments. Read a chapter from Genesis, then a chapter from Matthew. Next day: another Genesis chapter, another Matthew chapter.

The pattern continues throughout Scripture. You’ll finish shorter books quickly while progressing through longer ones. The variety prevents monotony.

Example Daily Plan

Week 1

• Day 1: Genesis 1, Matthew 1
• Day 2: Genesis 2, Matthew 2
• Day 3: Genesis 3, Matthew 3
• Day 4: Genesis 4, Matthew 4
• Day 5: Genesis 5, Matthew 5
• Day 6: Genesis 6, Matthew 6
• Day 7: Genesis 7, Matthew 7

When Matthew Finishes

• Continue Genesis paired with Mark
• Then Genesis with Luke
• Then Genesis with John

When Genesis Finishes

• Move to Exodus paired with Acts
• Continue pattern through entire Bible

Advanced Variation

Some readers tackle multiple chapters daily to maintain pace across both Testaments. They might read three Old Testament chapters and one New Testament chapter, finishing both around the same time.

Benefits of Testament Alternation

Old and New Testament comparison happens constantly. You’ll notice thematic parallels immediately. Creation narratives beside Jesus as new creation. Exodus redemption beside Christ’s redemptive work.

Difficulty balances out. Challenging Old Testament passages pair with accessible New Testament teaching. Dense prophetic books alternate with straightforward epistles.

Spiritual application flows from both Testaments simultaneously. Ancient history informs modern Christian teachings. Teachings of Jesus illuminate Old Testament events.

Fresh perspectives emerge daily. You won’t get bogged down in one Testament’s style or content. Every reading session brings variety.

Potential Challenges

Narrative flow breaks repeatedly. You’ll lose story momentum in both Testaments. Cliffhangers remain unresolved for days.

Biblical events and context fragment. You might read about David’s reign one day, then skip to completely different material for weeks before returning.

Book lengths mismatch awkwardly. Psalms has 150 chapters. Obadiah has one. Pairing gets complicated without careful planning.

Which Method Is Best for You?

The ideal Bible study method depends on your goals, experience level, and personal preferences. No single approach suits everyone perfectly.

Chronological If:

• You love history and want to understand biblical events sequentially
• God’s plan for humanity intrigues you from beginning to end
• You’re willing to commit to a structured, comprehensive plan
• Prophecies and fulfillment connections excite you
• You have some Bible knowledge already

Traditional Order If:

• You want the complete Scripture experience without modifications
• Bible study for beginners describes your level
• You prefer familiar, straightforward approaches
• Your church or study group follows this sequence
• You like knowing exactly where you are

New Testament First If:

• You’re brand new to faith and Christianity
• The life of Jesus and early church fascinate you most
• Old Testament history feels overwhelming initially
• You need immediate practical Christian living guidance
• Spiritual growth matters more than comprehensive knowledge right now

Thematic Order If:

• Specific life situations demand biblical wisdom
• Personal growth in targeted areas is your priority
• You struggle with sustained reading of long books
• Bible themes interest you more than chronological narrative
• You’re comfortable navigating Scripture independently

Testament Alternation If:

• Variety keeps you engaged better than repetition
• You want Old & New Testament integration constantly
• Neither Testament alone sustains your interest long-term
• You enjoy creative Bible reading plans
• You’re disciplined enough to track multiple storylines

Mixing Methods Works Too

Many mature believers combine approaches throughout their Christian discipleship journey. You might read chronologically one year, thematically the next. Or alternate between methods as seasons change.

Daily Bible reading could include morning devotionals following one method, evening study using another. Flexibility enhances rather than hinders spiritual foundations.

Church history shows believers have always adapted Scripture study techniques to their contexts. What matters most isn’t the method—it’s consistent engagement with God’s Word.

Practical Tips for Any Reading Method

Set Realistic Goals

Don’t overcommit. Reading ten chapters daily sounds ambitious but leads to burnout. Start small—even one chapter builds momentum.

Bible reading plans that finish Scripture in a year require about four chapters daily. That’s manageable but not effortless. Adjust based on your schedule and comprehension speed.

Use Study Tools

Study Bibles provide invaluable context. Notes explain biblical context, cross-references show connections, and maps clarify geography.

Bible interpretation resources like commentaries illuminate difficult passages. Don’t struggle alone when scholarly help exists.

Understanding Scripture deepens with concordances that track word usage throughout the Bible. See how “faith” appears across both Testaments.

Track Your Progress

Checking off completed books provides satisfying accountability. Apps, journals, or simple lists work equally well.

Bible study structure improves when you know where you’ve been and where you’re headed. Progress tracking prevents aimless wandering.

Join Community

Thematic study groups multiply insight exponentially. Others notice what you miss. Their questions spark deeper reflection.

Faith-building study accelerates in community. Isolation breeds discouragement. Fellowship sustains long-term commitment to Scripture reading.

Pray Before Reading

Ask God to illuminate His Word. Worship prepares your heart to receive truth. Spiritual texts require spiritual receptivity.

The victory of Christ over spiritual darkness extends to your Bible study. Prayer invites Holy Spirit guidance as you read.

Apply What You Learn

Christian living transforms when Scripture moves from page to practice. Note one application point per reading session.

Spiritual growth through Scripture stagnates without implementation. Knowledge alone puffs up; love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1).

Conclusion

What order should you read the Bible ultimately depends on your personal goals and spiritual needs. No single method proves superior for everyone. Chronological reading reveals God’s plan unfolding through history.What Order Should You Read the Bible? Traditional order provides familiar structure. New Testament first offers immediate access to Jesus’ teachings. What Order Should You Read the Bible? Thematic studies address specific life questions. Testament alternation maintains variety. Each approach builds faith and deepens spiritual growth when pursued consistently.

The best answer to what order should you read the Bible is simple: the order you’ll actually follow. Perfect plans abandoned help nobody. Imperfect plans completed transform lives. Start somewhere. Read consistently. Use study tools and community support. Let Scripture shape your thinking and actions.What Order Should You Read the Bible? God’s Word works powerfully regardless of your reading sequence. Your willingness to engage matters infinitely more than your chosen method.What Order Should You Read the Bible? Open the Bible today. Begin your journey through biblical wisdom and watch your Christian living flourish..

FAQs

What is the easiest order to read the Bible for beginners?

Start with the New Testament—specifically the Gospel of Mark, then Luke, followed by Acts. This approach introduces Jesus’ life and early Christian teachings without overwhelming you with Old Testament history and laws.

How long does it take to read the Bible in chronological order?

Reading the Bible chronologically takes about one year with a daily commitment of 15-20 minutes (approximately 3-4 chapters). Many Bible reading plans complete Scripture in 12 months following biblical events sequentially.

Should I read the Old Testament or New Testament first?

New believers often benefit from reading the New Testament first to understand salvation and Jesus’ teachings. However, reading the Old Testament first provides crucial biblical context for understanding why Christ came and how prophecies were fulfilled.

What Bible reading method do most pastors recommend?

Most pastors recommend book-by-book in traditional order or chronological reading for comprehensive Bible study. These methods ensure you encounter all Scripture systematically while building solid spiritual foundations and biblical wisdom.

Can I skip books of the Bible when reading?

While you can skip books temporarily, all Scripture offers value for spiritual growth. If stuck in difficult sections like Leviticus, skim and move forward rather than quitting entirely. Return later when you’re ready for deeper Bible study and understanding Scripture.