HOW TO READ THE BIBLE

Whether you’re a first time reader or were on an extended hiatus, cracking open the Bible can be overwhelming. It’s a collection of 66 books, where do you even start with that thing!?

Front? Back?? Middle??? Upside-down????

We all have our own preferences but here are some common methods and tips:

CHOOSING A TRANSLATION

For first time readers, just choosing a translation to start reading can be crippling, there’s a seemingly infinite number of them out there and the arguments over which translation is best are just as endless as the amount of translations themselves.

  • Two good options to choose from to start with are the ESV (English Standard Version) or the CSB (Christian Standard Bible). 

    • They are both a good balance of easy to read common language vs accurate to the original text.

    • It’s a good place to start for getting generally familiar with what the Bible is all about and its contents.

  • As you grow and become more familiar with scripture you’ll feel drawn to a deeper understanding. As this desire to study the texts increases you’ll likely find yourself drawn towards translations such as the NASB (New American Standard Bible) or the NKJV (New King James Version)

    • These are both widely considered the most accurate in literal translation of the original text but in turn may be a little harder to read for some newer folks.

    • My personal preference is the NASB for daily reading but I also read the NKJV regularly as well.

  • In the very beginning the key thing to consider most is choosing a translation that excites you to get into the Word daily.
    Reading the Bible daily will completely transform your life and the best way to hear God speaking to you as it is literally His word written for us.

NOW THAT YOU SELECTED A BIBLE, WHERE DO YOU OPEN TO FIRST?

  • Some folks prefer to go the route of following a daily devotional book or app for daily reading. 

    • While this can be ok for forming a new habit of daily reading, it is also very limiting.

    • The selected scriptures are generally only a few verses at best which isn’t enough to get the whole picture of what’s happening in the passages. It’s kind of like chewing a multivitamin and expecting it to replace a full healthy meal.

    • If you do need to start in this direction to break the ice and start to get a feel for how the devotional author is interpreting the selected verses, I highly recommend you do your own additional study and read the full chapter(s) that the selected passages are in. This will allow you to better see the full context to the selection and how the author might be drawing their conclusions on the application of scripture.

  • There are also a number of Bible reading calendars out there that will take you through the entire Bible in a year.

    • While these work great for some people, it can often be too ambitious or rigorous for some, especially if you’re newer to the habit of daily Bible reading. Potentially making it difficult to jump back in if you miss a day due to life inevitably jumping in. Making it feel like you’ll never catch up as the reading can pile up quickly.

  • My preferred method for daily Bible reading is a combination of a couple methods I’ve heard and tried over the years.

    • First, start your reading time with prayer. It doesn't have to be long and elaborate.

      • Start with brief praise thanking God for the opportunity to sit down and focus on Him and His word.

      • Then ask Him to calm your mind and open your heart to His word in its interpretation and His intended application to your life in this reading.

    • Second, pick a short book in the new testament that takes about 20-30 minutes to read spending on the person, such as 1 John for example and read that in its entirety every day for 1 month.

    • Third, with any extra time that you can dedicate to reading each day that same month, start reading through the Old Testament chronologically at Genesis, not on repeat, just in order.

    • Then the next month, pick another short book in the new testament or two short books like 1 Timothy through 2 Timothy. Meanwhile continuing on with the chronological reading of the old testament. As you finish the short books, pick a longer book and split it into blocks of 6-8 chapters and read those on repeat.

    • This cyclical repeat reading will get monotonous but it exercises the muscle of self discipline growing its strength and also allows you to start getting a much deeper understanding of the scriptures as you work through. You’ll also find it easier to recall certain portions of scripture when you need to call upon them in daily life.

    • If you have never read the new testament before then in that case I suggest following step 1 but for step 2 starting with the new testament chronologically and then moving to the old testament once that is complete.

OUTSIDE RESOURCES FOR BIBLE STUDY

  • Two things I wish I had on standby much earlier in life next to my daily reading Bible is a reputable study Bible and a Bible commentary, such as MacArthur Study Bible or the Moody Bible Commentary.

    • Some parts of scripture are impossible to interpret correctly without some cultural, historical or geographical information not found directly in the Bible. 

    • Both of these are valuable tools to aid in this

      • Keep in mind however that although scripture is inerrant, the authors of study Bibles or commentaries are not, no matter how educated or esteemed their credentials are. They all inherently carry with them certain biases in interpretation that can cause errors in judgement.

      • In my opinion it is best to cross reference multiple sources to verify accuracy.

  • When available a great source of wisdom in interpretation is your pastor or other church leaders. Don’t be afraid to consult them.

BIBLE APPS

  • If you have a long commute there is a good app called Daily Audio Bible that is great for keeping scripture running through your mind through the windshield time. 

    • It is important however not to allow that to replace your time in the Word. Physically reading the Bible and dedicating that time to God is irreplaceable.

  • Another good app for multiple study scenarios is Logos Bible app

The more time you spend in the Word the more your habits will naturally form into your own style that works well for you that you can share with new believers and those you begin to disciple.