Reading the Bible

You’re not the first person to wonder where to begin.

Across the UK, more people are picking up the Bible again, not because they feel they should, but because they’re curious. What does the Bible actually say? Why has it shaped so much of the world? Can it speak us today? Why do people disagree about how to interpret it?

Where should I begin?

The Bible is a library, not a single book. It was originally designed to be heard rather than read, which makes it difficult to sit down and read it all of the way through.

Here are 3 good ways in:

1. Start with Jesus

Try one of the Gospels:

  • Mark (short and fast-moving)
  • Luke (clear and ordered)
  • John (more reflective)

👉 If you’ve never read the Bible before, begin with Mark‘s gospel.

2. Follow a short reading plan

The Church of England offers an Old Testament Reading and a New Testament reading for morning and evening.

View them here. Click the date and then the “select a service” button and scroll down to discover the readings.

3. Read with someone

The Bible makes most sense when it’s shared.

We run a weekly Bible Study group, reading a portion each week informally together. You can read and ask questions—no pressure, no assumed knowledge.

If the time doesn’t work for you, we do run other groups and opportunities to learn about the Bible.

👉 Ask us when our next Bible exploration group will be running.

How do I read it?

You don’t need to be an expert. Just begin.

A simple approach:

Read a short passage (5–10 minutes)

Ask:

  • What’s happening here? (You might like to scribble a few notes)
  • What does this show about God?
  • What might this mean for life today?

Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything

The Bible is meant to be read slowly, and often together.

Help understanding what you’re reading

The Bible can feel unfamiliar, but the Bible Project videos offer an excellent introduction to explain what’s going on.

Check out the

  • 5–10 minute overviews of each book
  • Big themes (justice, sacrifice, kingdom, etc.)
  • Clear, visual explanations

Take the next step

Reading the Bible is good.
Reading it with others is better.

At St Augustine’s, we run simple evenings with food, a short video, and open discussion.

No pressure. No need to know anything beforehand.
👉 Get in touch to ask when the next group is running.