How to Read the Bible

For everyone · Tell us where you are

1. Where should I start reading?

   • John 20:30–31

     ³⁰Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. ³¹But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

   • Ps 1:1–3

     ¹Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. ²But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. ³He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

   • 2 Tim 3:14–17

     ¹⁴But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. ¹⁵From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, Keep reading

2. How do I understand hard passages?

   • 2 Pet 3:15–16

     ¹⁵Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. ¹⁶He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

   • Acts 17:11

     ¹¹Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.

   • Neh 8:8

     ⁸So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.

3. Is the Bible trustworthy?

   • 2 Tim 3:16–17

     ¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

   • 2 Pet 1:19–21

     ¹⁹We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ²⁰Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. ²¹For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

   • Luke 1:1–4

     ¹Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, ²just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. ³Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, Keep reading

4. Can a Christian have doubts?

   Yes. Doubt is not the same as unbelief. Jesus helped the father who prayed for help with his unbelief (Mark 9:24), answered John the Baptist's question with evidence (Matt 11:2-6), and met Thomas's conditions (John 20:24-29). Believers are told to show mercy to those who doubt (Jude 22). Bring your questions to Him.

   • Mark 9:24

     ²⁴Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

   • Jude 22
   • John 20:24–29

     ²⁴Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.” ²⁶Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Keep reading

   • Matt 11:2–6

     ²Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples ³to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” ⁴Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: Keep reading