STUDY PATHS

Choose a study path below to create your own Bible Study plan.

How to read the Bible on Everyday Scripture image of camera

HOW TO USE THESE RESOURCES:

First, read the GENRE OVERVIEW (Old Testament Poetry, New Testament Letters, etc.) to identify what type of literature you are reading.

Next, read the BOOK OVERVIEW (Genesis, Matthew, etc.) to understand the context, author, and intended audience of the book.

Then, read the CHAPTER SUMMARIES that you are studying as an overview either before or after reading your Bible. You can use this to gain a broader understanding of the context when listening to a sermon, following along with a Bible study, or simply refreshing your memory.

Under the BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES section, we have created free reading plans and discussion questions for reflection or small group conversation, as well as one-page overviews.

Most importantly, don’t stop here. This was never meant to be a substitute for the real thing - God is the best author and the Bible is better than any summary!

How to get started with reading the Bible using our Free Bible Resources and image of plant

WHERE TO START:

One of the most challenging aspects of studying the Bible is knowing where to start. Here are a few suggestions:

IF YOU’VE NEVER READ THE GOSPELS - START THERE. Jesus is the center of the entire story of scripture, so studying his life + ministry is a perfect starting point,

AFTER THE GOSPELS, IF YOU’VE NEVER READ GENESIS (or if you want to read the entire Bible cover to cover) - START THERE. God reveals His character from the very beginning.

If you’re familiar with the Gospels and Genesis, START WITH SOMETHING YOU HAVE NEVER READ BEFORE OR SOMETHING YOU’RE INTERESTED IN READING. The most effective Bible studies are the ones you’ll actually finish - so choose one you feel excited to study.

Which Bible Translation is best? Everyday Scripture showing a hymn book and helping you read the Bible

BIBLE TRANSLATIONS:

You are welcome to use whatever translation you enjoy reading most. Although we TYPICALLY RECOMMEND THE ESV OR NIV, there are plenty of great options.

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Some of the English translations have been translated more formally in a word-by-word format, where each word of the original language is captured as literally as possible. Others are translated more dynamically in a thought-by-thought format, where each phrase is translated into a more easily readable sentence.

Along with reading the translation you choose, we also recommend reading THE MESSAGE, which is a paraphrase written by Eugene Peterson.

START READING NOW

STUDIES BY SESSION LENGTH

STUDY BY GENRE

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS BELOW TO READ AN OVERVIEW OF THAT LITERARY SECTION BEFORE CHOOSING A SPECIFIC BOOK.

GENESIS
EXODUS
LEVTICUS
NUMBERS
DEUTERONOMY

JOSHUA
JUDGES
RUTH
1 + 2 SAMUEL
1 + 2 KINGS
1 + 2 CHRONICLES
EZRA
NEHEMIAH
ESTHER

JOB
PSALM
PROVERBS
ECCLESIASTES
SONG OF SOLOMON

ISAIAH
JEREMIAH
LAMENTATIONS
EZEKIEL
DANIEL
HOSEA
JOEL
AMOS
OBIDIAH
JONAH
MICAH
NAHUM
HABAKKUK
ZEPHANIAH
HAGGAI
ZECHARIAH
MALACHI

MATTHEW
MARK
LUKE
JOHN

ACTS

ROMANS
1 + 2 CORINTHIANS
GALATIANS
EPHESIANS
PHILLIPPIANS
COLOSSIANS
1 + 2 THESSALONIANS
1 + 2 TIMOTHY
TITUS
PHILEMON
HEBREWS
JAMES
1 + 2 PETER
1, 2, + 3 JOHN
JUDE