What Books of the Bible Should I Read First? And in What Order? A Deliberate Inquiry

The question about what books of the Bible to read first, and in what order, is a personal and often debated one. The Bible is a vast collection of ancient texts, rich in stories, teachings, and profound wisdom that calls for reflection and exploration. Here are several perspectives on how to approach this vast literary and spiritual treasure.

From a traditional standpoint:
The Genesis narrative of Genesis, including its initial creation accounts and establishment of Judaism, Christianity, and sometimes even Islam’s cultural norms and beliefs, often forms the starting point for many. It is considered foundational in understanding the overall themes and narratives of the Bible as well as establishing religious doctrines and moral teachings. Following Genesis is usually the next segment—Exodus, which details the story of liberation from Egypt and establishment of the community.

For a narrative flow:
Some believe that following the flow of stories within the canonical books is key. For instance, reading the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in sequence offers a coherent narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry. This approach is also common with other major narratives like the books of Samuel or Kings, which detail the history of Israel.

By genre or book type:
Another approach considers reading books by their genre or type. The Psalms offer a great entry point for understanding ancient liturgical poetry, Davidic prophecy or worship in the Ancient world. While psalms offer individual pieces of wisdom throughout their numerous poems, reading them collectively gives a broader picture of ancient prayer and worship practices. Prophetical books like Isaiah or Jeremiah are next in line to introduce more complex prophetical messages from Old Testament times. Following these might be a period where readings are selected from different genres like wisdom literature (Proverbs) or historical narratives (Esther).

For personal growth or spiritual exploration:
Some individuals might find it beneficial to read those books that speak to their personal interests or current life situations. For instance, if seeking wisdom on leadership or conflict resolution, one might start with books like Joshua or Ruth that offer profound insights on these themes. Those looking for guidance on faith and doubt might turn to the Book of Job for its profound exploration of faith under extreme circumstances.

Ultimately, there is no singular approach to reading the Bible that applies to everyone. The choice of what books to read first should be based on personal interests, goals, belief systems, or an exploratory journey that integrates several perspectives simultaneously. Key elements like reverence for texts, individual wisdom within each chapter or verse, and an open mind to learning from diverse perspectives are paramount in any reading order chosen.

FAQs: Q: What is the traditional order of reading the Bible?
A: The traditional order often starts with Genesis and follows a predetermined sequence through to Revelation that reflects ancient literary tradition as well as canonical norms in Western Christianity.

Q: What are some recommended reading sequences for a spiritual journey?
A: For spiritual exploration or personal growth, readers may prioritize books that resonate with their interests or current life experiences like Job or Psalms before delving into more complex narratives like Kings or Isaiah prophecies.

Q: What if I am new to Christianity or want a broader understanding?
A: If you are new to Christianity or seeking a broader understanding of Judaism or Christian faith practices, it might be beneficial to start with more foundational texts like Genesis before exploring more complex doctrines through prophetical books like Isaiah or Jeremiah. Additionally, exploring canonical collections like “Good News for Modern Man” (a compilation of some key stories from all ages) can provide a broad yet concise introduction to the entire Christian story.