1. Mark (16 chapters)
The shortest account of Jesus' life, fast-moving and easy to follow. It answers the first question most people have: who is Jesus?
Open Mark 1Where to start reading the Bible
The Bible is 66 books, and page one is not the easiest place to begin. Start with the Gospel of Mark, then John, then Genesis, keeping a psalm alongside. One chapter a day is plenty.
Read these four first
2. John (21 chapters)
Written to explain why Jesus came, with the most quoted verses in the Bible. Read it after Mark and the story deepens.
Open John 13. Genesis (50 chapters)
The beginning of everything — creation, Abraham, Joseph. It sets up names and promises the rest of the Bible keeps referring back to.
Open Genesis 14. Psalms (150 chapters)
Prayers and songs, one or two at a time. Best read alongside another book rather than straight through.
Open Psalms 1A simple first month
- Week 1–2: Mark, one chapter a day, all 16 chapters.
- Week 3–4: John 1–14, still one chapter a day.
- Every day: one psalm, starting at Psalm 1, as a prayer.
- After that: finish John, then begin Genesis — or pick up a full plan.
Common questions
Should I start at Genesis 1 and read straight through?
You can, but many people stall in Leviticus. Starting with Mark or John gives you the heart of the story first, and Genesis makes more sense afterwards.
How much should I read each day?
One chapter a day is enough to finish Mark in about two weeks. Consistency matters far more than volume — a short daily reading beats a long one you skip.
How long does it take to read the whole Bible?
At about three to four chapters a day you finish all 1,189 chapters in a year. That is exactly what the whole-Bible plan schedules for you.
Which translation should I read?
For a first read, pick a modern English one — the NIV, ESV or NASB all read clearly. The KJV is beautiful but older English takes more work.