FAQ

There are many ways to read the Bible. But for an initial introduction, the most common, widespread, and simplest path is to begin with the Gospels. The four Gospels were written by different people, who set different literary goals for themselves and wrote for different audiences. Therefore, no one can say which of them is best for you specifically to start with.

Matthew wrote for the Jews, who were well acquainted with the Old Testament, and sought to systematize the narrative: he presents the sermons together, the miracles in sequence, and he groups the parables as well. Mark wrote for young Romans, sought to be brief, and adhered to neither a system nor a chronology (he essentially summarized the sermons of the Apostle Peter, for whom he served as an interpreter). Luke sought to construct a chronological sequence and wrote predominantly for Greek-speaking people. John wrote for everyone at once, supplementing what he had witnessed and what the first three had not recorded. Moreover, in some instances, John corrects the chronology of the first three evangelists.

Some recommend starting the reading with the Gospel of Mark, others with the Gospel of John. The majority, however, adhere to the traditional order, which is fixed in all editions: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.