Here are 2 tables that give an overview of the genre and sections of the Bible so you can read it in its context. It’s also helpful to know the genre of the book that you’re reading. Later on, you can fill in the details the more you understand the Bible. If you stick to reading the Bible in context, then the big picture will eventually become clear to you. The Context of the Bible (From Major Sections to Details) Wherever you’re reading in the Bible, here is how you can think about what its context is: Those 15 books will give you a good context for the entire Bible. These will give you the main storyline and major themes of the Bible. If you’re planning on reading more than one book of the Bible, here are the 15 books that I would recommend (link opens in a new window). Here’s an article that I wrote on why I recommend the Gospel of Mark (link opens in a new window), especially if you might only read one book int the Bible.
Even better than that, read the entire book of the Bible to give you its bigger context.īefore we look at how to read the Bible in its context: If this is your first time reading the Bible, I recommend that you start with the book of Mark. Then, read the entire chapter that it’s in. If you’re stuck on the meaning of a single verse, read the entire paragraph that surrounds it. The first step to understanding the Bible is to read it in light of its surrounding context.