Where to start reading the Bible
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Start with the Gospel of Mark, the shortest Gospel at 16 chapters, then read John. After that, read Proverbs, then Genesis. At one chapter a day this plan takes 118 days. Beginning at Genesis 1 and reading straight through is common, but many readers stall in the law books.
| Days | Book | Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 16 | Mark | 16 |
| 17 to 37 | John | 21 |
| 38 to 68 | Proverbs | 31 |
| 69 to 118 | Genesis | 50 |
Why start with a Gospel
The Gospels tell the life of Jesus, and the rest of the Bible makes more sense once you know it. Mark is the shortest at 16 chapters. Mark 1:1 (KJV): “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;”
Then John, with a clear purpose
John has 21 chapters and states why it was written. John 20:31 (KJV): “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” It is a good second read because it explains who Jesus is as it goes.
Then Proverbs, then Genesis
Proverbs has 31 chapters, one for each day of a month, and Genesis has 50 chapters and opens the whole story. By then you will have a thread to hang the older stories on. Readers who start at Genesis often lack that thread, which is why this order helps.
The 118-day plan
Read one chapter a day. Days 1 to 16 are Mark, days 17 to 37 are John, days 38 to 68 are Proverbs, and days 69 to 118 are Genesis. That adds up to 118 chapters in 118 days, with no catch-up reading needed.
Afterward, try Acts to continue the story, or the Psalms for prayer.
See it in action
Our starter order in one short post: Mark, John, Genesis, Psalms, Acts, Romans.
Mark, John, Genesis, Psalms, Acts and Romans. All quotes KJV. Bible Scroll is free on iPhone and Android.
Watch on TikTokFrequently asked questions
Should I start at Genesis?
You can, but many readers stall in the law books. Starting with a Gospel gives you the center of the story first.
Which Gospel is best for beginners?
Mark is the shortest. John is the one that states its purpose most directly.
How long is the plan?
One chapter a day takes 118 days. You can read two a day and finish in about two months.
Which translation should I use?
Any you can follow. BibleScroll’s free text is the King James Version, and the explanation on tap helps with older words.
What if I miss a day?
Read the next chapter. The plan has no deadline.
Are there ready-made plans in an app?
BibleScroll has six reading plans that run from 7 to 90 days.
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