What is the best way to read the bible?

[A Cat in a Minefield]

I decided to read the bible. I have ordered the NIV study bible and am now faced with the decision in what order to read it. I have looked online but there are to many different options.
I am a complete beginner so I'm open to your propositions. I'm hesitant to read it cover to cover or even chronological, but am open to do so if it worked out for you.
I'm probably overthinking it, but if I'm going to start this journey, I might as well do it right.

Edit: Starting with Matthew, Mark, Luke and then John, followed by Acts seems like a good start. Found that recommendation well justified.

 

[dick brain]

Right to left like any other shonen manga.

 

[Not a bee]

Upside down so you're reading it in Russian

 

[Napoleon Bonerfart]

On the toilet so you can use its paper for a useful purpose afterwards.

 

[A Cat in a Minefield]

Thanks for all the helpful responses, I really appreciate it!

The gospels are a great place to start. I would consider picking up a modern commentary, plus trying to get a little bit of historical and cultural background the understand the kind of world the events took place in.

Thanks, I thought the same thing. That's why I decided to go with the NIV study Bible, because it apparently offers this background, including maps and the like.

John first can be a very important detail, because John is one of the very few books that has an explicit target audience: the unbeliever.

Thanks, I'll start with that then. I wouldn't call myself an unbeliever but this should work. I had a long vacation, and had a lot of time to think about what I want from life. I'm currently not happy with certain aspects of how my life is and am more then open to change. I had a moment where I hiked up a mountain, surrounded by powerful nature which created a feeling I never experienced before of being overwhelmingly humbled. I was all alone and there was nothing that could divert my attention and I just got a feeling. I am also currently reading John Miltons Paradise Lost. The beauty of how the text is written in combination with that experience have made me reconsider many things.

Gospels, the first five books, Epistles, Jonah, Esther, Ruth, job, everything else. Don't be overly concerned about reading order as you will be reading this stuff multiple times as you grow both in Christ and as a person

Thanks! I think I'll stick with this order!

I'm not a Christian, but I studied the bible pretty extensively. A lot of the Old Testament is a slog to get through without a Bible Dictionary (I think I used Zondervan's or Vine's, but it's been years) and a Commentary (for each testament) as references. So I would definitely recommend both of those tools if you really want a deep understanding of the text. The New testament is a lot easier, but I think it's foolish to start there. You really need a deep understanding of the Old Testament to appreciate the entire point of Jesus - what he fulfilled (ie sacrificial laws, ceremonial, dietary etc) vs what mankind is still on the hook for (moral laws).

I read a similar thing, but a comment said that is reading at least the gospel first helps you to get motivated to read the more difficult Old Testament. (The Bible I ordered is from Zondervan as well)

Another pro-tip is to not get too hung up on the idea that every word is infallible. There are some conflicts in the text, but it was written over the course of hundreds of years and translated from various manuscripts so give it some leeway.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind!

I love the book of Judith. A widow with more courage than the men around her kills an Assyrian occupying general, and frees her people. Simply using her faith and womanly ways.

Spoilers?!?! Joking aside I'll keep that in mind, and when I get to it, I'll let you know what I thought of it

Personally I like Bible gateway with its 150 different translations. It's interesting comparing different versions and seeing how the meaning can vary between the different versions.

I started reading Matthew earlier today before posting here and used Bibleref for some things that I didn't understand. I will stick to newer translations for sure.

 

[analrapist]

May our Father bless your study and open His Word to you.

 

[Unarmed Gunman]

(The Bible I ordered is from Zondervan as well)

In case you misread, I was referring to a Bible Dictionary as a supplemental tool to make sense of the names and places mentioned in the Bible. You will especially need it for the Old Testament. One of these would be a huge help:

Zondervan (My recommendation)
Holman
Vine's (I think this includes a Concordance but is missing a lot of maps and other helpful details)

Relying on the Internet to Google shit as you go will literally turn you retarded. Buy one of these and reference it as you go.

As far as the Commentaries as an additional tool, I'll be honest - it depends. Some people love them because they attempt to explain the significance of certain passages, but then you get into slap fights over denominations and interpretations and whatever. If you stick with a good bible Dictionary that would be fine for now.

And if you start with the Gospels before reading any of the OT, that just means you are not a serious person really attempting to understand the history or religion. Only you know how serious you are, so if you just want to dip your toe then read the parts of the bible that they leave in the drawer at hooker hotels. If you're serious, build your foundation first.

 

[A Cat in a Minefield]

In case you misread, I was referring to a Bible Dictionary as a supplemental tool to make sense of the names and places mentioned in the Bible. You will especially need it for the Old Testament. One of these would be a huge help:

Zondervan (My recommendation)
Holman
Vine's (I think this includes a Concordance but is missing a lot of maps and other helpful details)

Relying on the Internet to Google shit as you go will literally turn you retarded. Buy one of these and reference it as you go.

As far as the Commentaries as an additional tool, I'll be honest - it depends. Some people love them because they attempt to explain the significance of certain passages, but then you get into slap fights over denominations and interpretations and whatever. If you stick with a good bible Dictionary that would be fine for now.

And if you start with the Gospels before reading any of the OT, that just means you are not a serious person really attempting to understand the history or religion. Only you know how serious you are, so if you just want to dip your toe then read the parts of the bible that they leave in the drawer at hooker hotels. If you're serious, build your foundation first.

Thanks for the links and honesty! I have a couple of days before the Bible actually arrives, so I can think about it. I'll read the Old Testament in any case.

May our Father bless your study and open His Word to you.

Thanks fren.

 

[Hweeks]

I use an app called Bible - it's free and has hundreds of reading plans. Including ones that get you through the whole Bible in a year (not in order) and it's great to look stuff up quickly.

However, you can't beat a physical copy, good luck and my prayers are with you on your spiritual journey.

 

[Tragi-Chan]

Don’t. Jesus is an implant placed in your mind by Xenu.