Best Books of the Bible for Beginners: Where to Start and Why

Apr 8 / Courtney Moss
Opening the Bible for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. With 66 books, a mix of poetry, history, prophecy, and teaching—and written across centuries—it’s easy to wonder: Where do I even begin?

If you're new to reading the Bible or you’re coming back to it with fresh eyes, the good news is you don’t have to start at page one. There are some books that are especially helpful for beginners, providing a clear introduction to who God is, what the gospel means, and how faith fits into your everyday life. So let’s explore the best books of the Bible to read for beginners, and where to start reading the Bible.

1. The Gospel of John – Get to Know Jesus Personally

If you’re curious about Christianity or want to better understand who Jesus is, the Gospel of John is one of the best places to start. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke offer amazing insights, John’s account is more personal and reflective. His goal is clear: to help readers believe that Jesus is the Son of God and to find life in Him (John 20:31).
John focuses on Jesus’ identity and His relationship with the Father, filled with powerful "I Am" statements and miracles that reveal Jesus' divine nature. It's a beautiful introduction to the heart of the Christian faith.

Why start here? Because knowing Jesus is foundational to understanding the rest of the Bible.

2. Genesis – Discover How It All Began

Once you’ve read about Jesus, going back to the beginning can help everything else make sense. The book of Genesis explains the origins of the world, humanity, sin, and God’s covenant with His people. You’ll meet foundational figures like Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Their stories show us God’s faithfulness, even when people fall short. 

Why start here? Genesis lays the groundwork for themes that run through the entire Bible—creation, fall, redemption, and promise.

3. Psalms – Find Words for Every Season

Whether you’re joyful, heartbroken, anxious, or thankful, the book of Psalms helps put words to your emotions. It’s a collection of songs and prayers that express raw honesty before God. You’ll find comfort, strength, and reminders of God’s faithfulness.

Why start here? Psalms helps beginners connect emotionally with God and learn how to pray authentically.

4. Proverbs – Wisdom for Everyday Life

If you’re looking for practical advice on how to live well, Proverbs is your go-to. These short, memorable sayings offer guidance on relationships, work, integrity, discipline, and more.

Why start here? Because it’s incredibly relatable and easy to read in small chunks—perfect for daily reflection.

5. Acts – See the Church Come Alive

After learning about Jesus in the Gospels, the book of Acts shows what happened next. It tells the story of how the early church began, how the apostles spread the good news, and how the Holy Spirit empowered believers to live with boldness and purpose.

Why start here? Acts gives a compelling picture of what Christian community and mission can look like today.

So…Where to Start Reading the Bible?

If you’re wondering where to start reading the Bible, here’s a simple plan:

  • Begin with John to understand who Jesus is.
  • Read Genesis to see the foundation of God’s plan.
  • Reflect with a few Psalms each week for encouragement.
  • Add Proverbs for wisdom in everyday life.
  • Explore Acts to see how the message of Jesus spread.


You don’t need to read it all at once. Take your time. Pray before you read. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. And don’t be afraid to ask questions—that’s part of learning and growing

Want to go deeper? Join our free course, “How to Read the Bible.” Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your understanding, this course will give you practical tools to read Scripture with clarity and confidence. 
Meet the blogger

Courtney Moss

Courtney began her journey with Advance the Faith as a social media intern in 2019. After graduating college, she served in management at Enterprise Mobility and recently returned to the Advance the Faith team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with minors in Advertising and Sales from Florida Gulf Coast University. Courtney is passionate about our mission and eager to Advance the Faith through communication efforts.
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