Beginner Bible guide · Christian editorial writing
Where to start reading the Bible as a beginner
If you want to get to know Jesus and are unsure where to begin, start with the Gospel of Mark. Read one short section, notice what happens, and continue from there. You can begin today with Mark 1:1–15, included below.
Why start with Mark?
A Gospel is an account of Jesus’ life, teaching, death, and resurrection. Mark moves quickly into the story: John prepares the way, Jesus is baptized, and Jesus begins announcing the good news of God’s kingdom. It gives you people and events to follow even when some words are unfamiliar.
This is a practical starting suggestion. It is not a required Christian reading order. Starting with Genesis can help you explore the Bible’s opening story; starting with a Gospel puts Jesus’ ministry in view immediately. Choosing Mark now leaves the rest of the Bible open for later.
Find a passage without knowing the whole Bible
In the reference “Mark 1:1–15,” Mark is the book, 1 is the chapter, and 1–15 identifies the verses. Verses are numbered portions of the text that help readers find the same place. You do not need to memorize the order of the books to use them.
Choose an English edition you can follow. The Bible reader offers modern English editions alongside historical ones. The quotation on this page uses the King James Version, with older wording such as “straightway,” meaning immediately. You can also read Mark 1 in the modern Berean Standard Bible.
Your first reading: Mark 1:1–15
Read slowly enough to follow the changes of scene. In this passage, “gospel” means good news, and “repent” calls for turning away from sin toward God. You can write down a word or question without solving it before continuing.
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. 9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12 And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. 14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.Read the full chapter · King James Version →
Try three questions before looking for an application
- What happens? John prepares people, Jesus is baptized and goes into the wilderness, and then Jesus begins preaching. Following that sequence keeps individual sentences inside their story.
- What does the passage show about Jesus? Notice how verse 1 introduces him, what the voice says at his baptism, and what Jesus announces in verses 14–15. Begin with what the text says before adding what you have heard elsewhere.
- What do I need to understand better? You might ask what God’s kingdom means or why John baptizes people. Keep one question to explore as you read on. A question is a useful result of reading.
For example, John’s clothing and food describe this particular person. The passage is not telling every reader to dress and eat as he did. Ask who is speaking, to whom, and whether a sentence describes an event or gives an instruction.
What should you read next?
Continue with Mark 1:16–20, where Jesus calls his first disciples, then work through the next sections of Mark. You can read a paragraph or a chapter at a time. Choose an amount that lets you pay attention.
When something is confusing, read the surrounding paragraph again and keep the question. If you discuss it with someone, ask them to show how their explanation fits the passage. Christians sometimes interpret passages differently; a helpful guide should make those differences clear.
If you would like a little structure around the reading, try a five-minute daily devotion. It connects a short passage with reflection, prayer, and one practical response.