BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

The Bible Explained — For Beginners: Where to Start & How to Understand Scripture

If you’re brand new to reading the Bible—or maybe you’ve tried before and felt overwhelmed—you’re in the right place. Before we dive in - I’m not a theologian, a scholar, or an expert. I’m simply someone who has spent the past few years diving deeper into Scripture, learning, stumbling, growing, and being completely transformed in the process.

The Bible has changed my life for the better, and my hope is that what I share today helps you begin (or begin again) with confidence, clarity, and peace.

If you’ve never opened a Bible before… take a deep breath. You’re welcome here. This is a safe place to start. YOU CAN BELONG BEFORE YOU BELIEVE.

Where Should I Start? The Gospels.

If you’re new to Scripture, I highly recommend beginning with the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

These four books tell the story of Jesus—His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.
Just open your Bible, flip to the table of contents, and find Matthew.

Start by getting to know Jesus.
Read His words (the ones printed in red).
Let His voice become familiar to you.

And if you’re reading this right now, it’s clear God is already working in your heart—stirring something inside you and inviting you closer. He wants you in His Word. My prayer is that this guide removes any fear, confusion, or hesitation standing between you and Scripture.

Why Reading the Bible Can Feel Overwhelming

Let’s be honest—reading the Bible can feel intimidating at first. It’s long, full of ancient names, and sometimes confusing. But here’s what I want you to remember:

Reading the Bible is not about mastering theology. It’s about relationship.

Scripture is described as the Living Word for a reason. You can read the same verse two days in a row and see something totally different because God speaks through His Word in a personal, active way.

There are three helpful ways to approach Scripture:

• Historically — What was happening in that time?

• Biblically — How does this fit into the big story of the Bible?

• Personally — What is God saying to me through this right now?

You don’t need to understand everything at once. Just begin.

How the Bible Is Structured (Simple Breakdown)

The Bible is made up of many books, written over thousands of years, all telling one continuous story.

Many transcribers - ONE AUTHOR.

If you’re a visual learner, I have a visual breakdown on my Instagram, but here is the simplified version:

The Old Testament

Everything before the birth of Jesus.

1. The Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy)

The foundation of it all: creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, and Moses.

2. Historical Books (Joshua–2 Maccabees)

The story of Israel becoming a nation—their triumphs, failures, kings, and exiles.

3. Wisdom Books (Job–Sirach)

Poetry, prayer, and practical wisdom.
Psalms teaches prayer; Proverbs teaches daily wisdom.

4. Prophetic Books (Isaiah–Malachi)

Messages calling people back to God, pointing forward to the Messiah—Jesus.

The New Testament

Where we meet Jesus and see God’s promises fulfilled.

1. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

The life and teachings of Jesus.

2. Acts of the Apostles

The birth and growth of the early Church.

3. The Letters (Romans–Jude)

Practical teachings on how to live out your faith today.

4. Revelation

A powerful vision of God’s final victory—light overcoming darkness.

How the Old and New Testament Connect

The Bible is one story from beginning to end. St. Augustine said:

“The New Testament is the Old concealed, and the Old Testament is the New revealed.”

Here are a few beautiful connections:

• Joseph the dreamer in Genesis saves his family through suffering →
  Joseph in the New Testament dreams as well. and protects Jesus and Mary.

• The Passover lamb saves Israel →
  Jesus, the Lamb of God, saves us from sin.

• Moses leads God’s people out of Egypt →
  Jesus leads us out of slavery to sin.

• The Ark of the Covenant carries God’s presence →
  Mary carries Jesus, God in the flesh.

• Manna feeds Israel in the wilderness →
  Jesus, the Bread of Life, feeds us spiritually.

Even the genealogy in Matthew—yes, that long list of names—is rich with meaning. It traces Jesus’ lineage through Abraham and David, proving that He is the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Matthew even structures it with purpose:

• 14 generations from Abraham to David

• 14 from David to the exile

• 14 from the exile to Christ

That’s three sets of fourteen—or SIX GROUPS OF SEVEN.
Jesus arrives as the seventh seven—the perfect completion of God’s divine plan. Seven is the number of completion and fulfillment in the ancient Hebrew culture.

God keeps His promises. The genealogy is proof.

Tools to Help You Start Reading the Bible

If you're new to Scripture, one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly tools is the Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz.
He reads Scripture daily and explains it in a simple, relatable way.

You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

And if you’re beginning with the Gospels?
Flip to Matthew… find those red words… and just start.

Take the Pressure Off

Give yourself grace.

Your first read-through of the Bible is just an introduction. You’re not supposed to “get it all.” Even scholars don’t understand everything.

Each time you read, you’ll understand a little more.
But it never necessarily gets easier to live out—because Scripture is meant to transform us, not just inform us. This is why it’s so important to have God’s Word dwelling in us daily.

If you’re a note-taker, highlight-lover, or journal queen—beautiful. But don’t pressure yourself to mark everything up perfectly. Let the Word wash over you.

You can listen while driving, while getting ready in the morning, during kid’s nap time, or before bed. The point is simply to begin.

Because God is a good, good Father.
And reading His Word is one of the most powerful ways to grow your relationship with Him.

My prayer for you this week is simple:
Open your Bible. Even if it’s just one chapter.
God will speak to you.