How to Read the Bible: A Simple Guide to Understanding God’s Word

Have you ever opened the Bible and thought, “Where do I even start?” That was me in college—typing the same question into Google, unsure how to approach God’s Word. Little did I know, that search would change my life.

As I’ve grown in understanding, the Bible has become clearer and more powerful. While the Holy Spirit ultimately brings insight, learning the basics about the Bible and asking good questions can help His voice come through loud and clear.

If you’re new to reading the Bible—or teaching someone who is—this post is for you. At the end, you’ll find a free “How to Read the Bible” handout to guide your journey.

What is in the Bible?

The Bible is God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16), written to equip His people and glorify Him. It’s amazing that 66 books, written by about 40 different authors—from kings to fishermen, priests to doctors—over thousands of years, all fit together in one unified story. The reason? God.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

  • 66 books divided into the Old Testament (before Jesus) and New Testament (after Jesus).
  • 40+ authors from diverse backgrounds.
  • Main genres: narratives, poetry, and letters (prose discourse).
  • The books can be further broken down into songs, prophecies, historical accounts, and more.

Understanding these basics will help you feel confident as you read. For a deeper dive, check out GotQuestions.org.

Where should I start?

If you’re brand new, start with a Gospel: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Each tells the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection from a slightly different perspective.

Why start here? Because Jesus is the heart of the Bible. The word gospel means good news: though we’ve all sinned against a holy God, His grace through Jesus offers us eternal life (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Once you know Him, you’ll see how every other book points to Him.

How do I read the Bible?

Here’s a practical guide to help your time in God’s Word come alive:

Pray first.
Ask God to open your heart and mind. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” A humble heart is the starting point for understanding (Proverbs 9:10).

Ask good questions.
Don’t rush. Take time to reflect: What is this passage saying? What do I learn about the character of God? What is God revealing about Himself to me? Asking questions is how we get to know someone—and it works with God, too.

CLICK HERE to access my free Bible study handouts in another blog.

Use a study Bible.
A study Bible provides verse-by-verse explanations, historical context, maps, and summaries of each book. While you can research online, a study Bible keeps trusted resources all in one place.

Find a mentor.
In Acts 8:26-40, Philip was led by the Holy Spirit to meet an Ethiopian eunuch reading Scripture alone. When asked if he understood, the man said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” Philip explained the Scriptures, helping him see their meaning.

God often provides mentors to help us understand His Word. Sometimes you have to actively seek them out, but a good starting point is being part of a local church committed to the authority of Scripture. The Christian life isn’t meant to be lived solo—having someone guide you can open your eyes to truths you might miss on your own.

Reading the Bible is a journey, but with prayer, questions, and guidance, it can transform your life. To help you get started or to guide someone you’re discipling, I’ve put together a quick reference:

CLICK HERE to download your free “How to Read the Bible” handout for yourself or someone you are discipling.

If you’d like to take your Bible learning even further, CLICK HERE for the Bible Basics curriculum—a hands-on, engaging way to explore the contents of Scripture in a small-group setting.

Reflect and Connect

1. Why is reading the Bible important to you?

2. Is there anything confusing about reading it?

3. What’s your plan for prioritizing God’s Word in your life?