Read the Bible: A Simple Plan for Beginners

Read the Bible Online

Choose a testament, book and chapter, pick a translation, and start reading. Our free reader includes the King James Version (KJV) and five other public-domain translations, so you can read the Bible online free, right here, on any device.

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Start Reading

Choose a testament, book, and chapter to load Scripture.
1 Welcome to the Bible reader. Select your preferred book and chapter above, or use one of the quick links to begin reading.
Examples: You can read a full chapter like John 3, a specific verse like John 3:16, or move chapter by chapter using the navigation buttons.

A 21-Day Bible Reading Plan for Beginners

If you’re new to the Bible, the Gospel of John is a wonderful place to begin. It tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of one of His closest friends, and it has 21 chapters, so reading one chapter a day takes three weeks. It’s also the book our church has been teaching through on Sundays.

Week 1: Who Jesus Is

  • Day 1: John 1 (The Word becomes flesh)
  • Day 2: John 2 (Water turned into wine)
  • Day 3: John 3 (Nicodemus and being born again)
  • Day 4: John 4 (The woman at the well)
  • Day 5: John 5 (Healing at the pool of Bethesda)
  • Day 6: John 6 (Jesus, the bread of life)
  • Day 7: John 7 (Jesus teaches at the festival)

Week 2: What Jesus Does

  • Day 8: John 8 (Jesus, the light of the world)
  • Day 9: John 9 (A man born blind sees)
  • Day 10: John 10 (The Good Shepherd)
  • Day 11: John 11 (Lazarus is raised)
  • Day 12: John 12 (Mary anoints Jesus; Jesus enters Jerusalem)
  • Day 13: John 13 (Jesus washes the disciples’ feet)
  • Day 14: John 14 (The way, the truth and the life)

Week 3: The Cross and the Resurrection

  • Day 15: John 15 (The vine and the branches)
  • Day 16: John 16 (The promise of the Holy Spirit)
  • Day 17: John 17 (Jesus prays for His followers)
  • Day 18: John 18 (Arrest and trial)
  • Day 19: John 19 (The cross)
  • Day 20: John 20 (The empty tomb)
  • Day 21: John 21 (Breakfast by the sea)

How to Use This Plan

  • Read one chapter a day using the reader above. Choose New Testament, then John, then the chapter.
  • Before you read, ask God to help you understand.
  • After you read, ask three questions: What does this show me about God? What does it show me about people? What is one thing I can do today?
  • Miss a day? Simply pick up where you left off.

If you’d like to read and talk about Scripture with others, join our Wednesday night Bible study at 6:00 PM. And if you’re new to faith, we’d love to help you take your next step.