How do I read the Bible if I’m new to it?

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

How do I read the Bible if I’m new to it?

Summary: The Bible can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start with the Gospel of Luke, which tells Jesus’ story in a clear and welcoming way, and read with curiosity, trusting that God still speaks through these ancient words today.

Dear Beloved,

When you first open the Bible, it can feel intimidating. Unlike most books, it’s a whole library—sixty-six books filled with stories, poetry, wisdom, and letters, written across centuries in cultures and languages that may feel unfamiliar. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out at once.

The Bible isn’t simply a rulebook or a history lesson—it’s the unfolding story of God’s love and God’s ongoing relationship with humanity. Think of it less as a manual to master, and more as a conversation to enter.

A great place to start is the Gospel of Luke. Luke writes with newcomers in mind, offering a clear and orderly account of Jesus’ life. His Gospel highlights God’s love for all people—especially the poor, the outsider, and the hurting—and includes some of Jesus’ most memorable parables, like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Luke also shows Jesus deeply rooted in prayer and the Spirit, making his story both relatable and spiritually rich. And since Luke continues into the book of Acts, you can follow the story straight into the life of the early church.

Beginning with a Gospel helps anchor your faith in Jesus—the heart of Scripture. From there, you might explore the Psalms to learn the language of prayer, or Paul’s letters to see how the first Christians wrestled with living faithfully.

Take your time. Read slowly. Let your questions rise. Read with others, because community helps us hear what we might miss alone. And remember—the Bible isn’t meant to close you off with answers, but to open you to God’s presence.

So take a deep breath, open the pages, and listen for the Spirit’s whisper: “This story is for you, too.”

Let Scripture become not just a book you read, but a story you live,

Pastor Anny+

The Rev. Dr. Anny Genato+

Rector