The Bible is a big book. Or rather, sixty-six books.
“Where do I even begin with the reading the Bible? It’s huge.”
This is a question I receive often. Probably because people instinctively pick up the Bible and try to read it cover to cover, only to discover parts that feel like crossing the Sahara on foot (though I promise there are plenty of oases, you just have to know where to look!).
I recommend first to become very familiar with a few key books. These will help "unlock" the others since they either form the backdrop of the whole Bible or are quoted extensively by other Biblical authors.
Key Old Testament Books
Genesis
Exodus
Deuteronomy
Psalms
Proverbs
Isaiah
Key New Testament Books
John
Acts
Romans
Ephesians
1 John
A simple method:
Don’t just plow through the Old Testament. Go back and forth between OT and NT books. The one exception being Psalms and Proverbs, which should be read daily or at least weekly.
Next, whatever book you're in (e.g., Romans), read it start-to-finish not once, but 3-4 times before moving on to the next book. It’s okay if it takes you a month or two to complete this. Re-reading books in their entirety helps cement core ideas and causes you to notice things you might have overlooked on the first pass. And here’s a Hot Tip™, try using an audio Bible like the free Crossway ESV app. Did you know the book of Romans is an hour long? No big deal!
As you go, write down any questions (and passages) that come to mind for researching later. But don't let your questions halt your reading.
Later, review your list of questions and highlight any whichever stand out the most.
Now, pick up a commentary and see what it says for those specific passages. John Calvin's commentary (or any of the ones in the church library) is a good place to start.
Don’t Skip Systematic Theology
Bible interpretation is much easier when you have a grasp on the basic system of doctrine. I strongly recommend reading the Belgic Confession very carefully, followed by the Catechism. Both are on threeforms.org as well as in our Trinity Psalter Hymnal and Forms & Prayers book.
