How to Read the Gospels
The Gospel of John
Reveals Jesus as the Son of God who brings eternal life.
The Gospel of Matthew
Shows Jesus as the promised King and Messiah.
The Gospel of Mark
Fast-paced, focusing on His power and miracles in action.
The Gospel of Luke
Highlights Jesus’ compassion for the poor, broken, and outcast.
FAQ
Why Read the Gospels First?
If you’re new to the Bible, the Gospels are the best place to start.
The whole Bible points to Jesus, but the Gospels let you meet Him face to face. You see how He loved people, how He forgave, how He healed, and how He gave His life.
Reading the Gospels first helps you:
- Meet Jesus personally instead of just learning about Him.
- Understand the rest of the Bible in light of His story.
- See God’s heart through Jesus’ words and actions.
If you want to know what Christianity is really about, start with the Gospels. They are your doorway to knowing Jesus.
Do I need to understand everything right away?
No. The goal is to meet Jesus, not master theology.
You might come across things that feel confusing, or parts you don’t fully get yet. That doesn’t mean you’re not getting it, it just means you’re learning. Even people who’ve followed Jesus for decades are still discovering new things in His Word.
God’s Spirit will help you understand what you need for today, and over time He’ll keep opening your eyes to more. The Bible is meant to be a lifelong journey, not something you “master” in a week.
Don’t wait until you understand everything. Start with what you do understand, and let Jesus meet you there.
What if I get confused?
That’s completely normal. The Bible is deep and rich, and some parts will feel unfamiliar at first. Getting confused does not mean you are doing it wrong, it means you are learning. When something does not make sense, try this:
- Pause and pray: Simply ask, ‘Jesus, help me understand.’
- Write it down: Keep a notebook or use the notes section in an app for questions.
- Keep going: Do not let one confusing part stop you from reading the rest.
Remember, you do not have to figure it all out alone. God’s Spirit helps us understand, and questions can become the doorway to deeper discovery. Over time, what feels unclear now will often make sense later.
How often should I read?
Start simple: read a little each day, even just a few verses. Consistency matters more than speed. Some days you might take in a whole chapter, and other days it may just be a single line that speaks to you, and that is okay.
Think of it like talking with a close friend. The more time you spend together, the closer the relationship grows. Over time, those small daily moments will add up to real growth and deeper understanding.
The key isn’t how much you read, but letting God’s Word sink deep into your heart.
Get a Physical Bible
There’s something powerful about owning a Bible you can open, mark up, and keep with you. A physical Bible helps you:
- Stay focused without distractions or notifications.
- Highlight verses, write notes, and make it personal.
- Build a daily habit of opening God’s Word.
- Prepare the way forward—something you can pass down to family.
Digital tools are amazing, but nothing replaces holding God’s Word in your hands.
If you’re new, start with the Book of John—and try an easy-to-read translation like NLT or NIV. As you grow, explore deeper study with NASB 1995 or ESV.
Get the Bible App
The Bible App puts Scripture right in your pocket. It’s free, simple, and helps you stay connected to God’s Word wherever you are.
- Read the full Bible in multiple translations.
- Follow daily plans and devotionals that guide you step by step.
- Highlight verses, save notes, and share with friends.
- Listen to audio Bibles when you’re on the go.
Millions of people use it every day to discover and grow in Jesus.