Where to start reading the Bible: a 21-day plan
Short answer: Start with the Gospel of John. Read one chapter a day and you finish it in 21 days. Then read Mark, then a Psalm and a Proverb a day.
Why John first
John opens with who Jesus is and explains why it matters. It is short, its chapters are a few minutes each, and it gives you the center of the whole Bible before you read the background.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— John 1:1 (BSB)
The first 60 days
- Days 1–21: John, one chapter a day
- Days 22–37: Mark, one chapter a day
- Days 38–68: Proverbs, one chapter a day (one for each day of the month)
- Alongside: Psalms, five a day for 30 days
Then go back to the beginning
After the Gospels, Genesis makes more sense. Read it two chapters a day and you finish in 25 days.
Make it stick
Read at the same time every day, keep the chapter short, and mark it complete. A visible streak helps more than a long session you skip tomorrow.
FAQ
Should I read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation?
You can, but many first-time readers stall in Leviticus. Starting with a Gospel gives you the center of the story first.
Which translation is easiest?
A modern translation such as the Berean Standard Bible reads easily. The King James Version is beloved for its language but older.
What if I miss a day?
Just read the next chapter. A plan is a guide, not a test.