11 Best Chapters In The Bible For Beginners To Read (2024)
What are some of the best chapters that beginners of the Bible should read?
Everyone has his or her best or favourite or go-to chapter in the word of God that brings encouragement and hope.
As a pastor for at least 10 years, I have read through the Bible many times. I can personally share with you with confidence some of the most important chapters you should know.
After conducting a brief research, I have gathered the following of the best chapters in the Bible for beginners. We’ll go through it in chronological order.
Let’s dive right into it.
What Are The 11 Best Chapters In The Bible?
1. Genesis 1
There is no doubt that Genesis 1 is one of the best chapters.
All who begin to read the Bible start here.
It is the beginning of God’s Word. God created the universe.
Genesis 1 is about God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit creating the world in six days and resting on the 7th day.
Without the creation of the world, we will not exist.
Therefore, there is no need for the Bible since it was written for humanity.
2. Exodus 20
Majority of the Christians and non-Christians should know about the Ten Commandments.
Except, most of them may not know where it is in the Bible.
The Ten Commandments (it literally means Ten Words in Hebrew) have been famous for laying down the law for the Israelites. (Some theologians call the Ten Commandments the Moral Law.)
Commandments 1-4 focus on loving God, while Commandments 5-10 focus on loving your neighbours.
By the way, Deuteronomy 5 also has the Ten Commandments!
3. Psalm 23
This chapter has some of the most encouraging and comforting words in the Old Testament.
We learn that the LORD is my shepherd. He leads us wherever we go.
It inspires us to trust and depend on the LORD.
The most famous verse that is used by Christians and non-Christians is Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (English Standard Version)
Certainly, this chapter points us to the Good and Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.
With only six verses, this is the shortest chapter in this list.
4. Isaiah 53
You cannot help but think about the Lord Jesus Christ when you are reading this chapter.
It talks about the Suffering Servant who has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.
Ultimately, this chapter is fulfilled by the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
This is a wonderful chapter to cover for the preachers of God’s word during Good Friday.
5. Matthew 5-7
Okay, I know that there are three chapters in this heading.
But it is hard not to include them as a package.
These chapters are known as the Sermon on the Mount.
These chapters include many of Jesus’ famous (and infamous) sayings in the New Testament.
For example, there are the Beatitudes, loving your enemies, the Lord’s Prayer, etc.
Studying these chapters would be a wonderful Bible study for your church.
6. John 3
This is a story about Nicodemus and John the Baptist.
You should check out Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus if you love reading inspirational stories. Jesus teaches about the second birth (“You must be born again”).
Hence, in systematic theology, this is called the doctrine of regeneration. A sinner must be born again to begin the Christian life.
This chapter also contains the famous John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God’s love is demonstrated to sinners by sending His begotten Son into the world to die for our sins and to be raised on the 3rd day for our justification.
7. Romans 8
John Piper commented that Romans 8 is the most glorious and greatest chapter in the Bible.
Studying this chapter in great detail can overwhelm your soul because it contrasts our fallen state with our glorious future.
We live in a broken and sinful world, but God will redeem it; we are in the flesh, but we live in the Spirit; we suffer in this world, but that is nothing compared to heaven.
Ultimately, God promised by His grace that His redeemed and chosen ones would be preserved for that glorious state because nothing could separate them from the love of God.
8. Ephesians 2
The Apostle Paul explains the power of the gospel in saving spiritually dead sinners.
God is the One who can raise spiritually dead sinners to be spiritually alive in Christ.
As believers, our salvation is not based on human merit but His grace.
Grace is God’s unmerited favour upon wretched and unworthy sinners.
God’s grace shown in the gospel also has the power to reconcile Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
9. 1 Corinthians 13
Many Christians may consider 1 Corinthians 13 as the greatest chapter because it is known as the “Love Chapter.”
Many use this chapter at their weddings.
In context, the Apostle Paul has been teaching and correcting the Corinthians about their use of spiritual gifts. Paul exhorts them to pursue love while earnestly desiring spiritual gifts.
Whether we exercise our spiritual gifts or not, let all things be done out of love.
No matter how good our intentions are, no matter how much effort we put into serving, all become vain if not done out of love by the power of the Holy Spirit.
10. Hebrews 11
Have you ever heard of the Hall of Fame? Well, Scripture has a “Hall of Faith.”
The author of Hebrews begins by talking about the nature of faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Afterwards, he highlights many of the essential characters in the Old Testament, such as Abraham, Moses, David, etc. The people mentioned here all walk by faith.
The author describes how they lived by faith by briefly mentioning some of their great stories.
Believers should be encouraged by this chapter. All these characters were sinners, yet by God’s grace, they continued to live by faith.
11. Revelation 21
The best thing often comes last.
The previous books of the Bible directly or indirectly point to the culmination where Christ will establish the New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem.
Read this chapter if you desire to know what the afterlife is like.
For example, John writes in verse 4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (English Standard Version)
What a hopeful message for all people!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there chapters in the Bible?
The dual authorship of the Bible (God and men) did not originally put chapters in Scripture.
Chapters were included for the sake of reference around 1227 AD.
What book of the Bible should I read first?
That depends if you’re a beginner, a growing believer, or a non-believer.
I usually recommend reading the gospel of John first.
