Reading Through The Bible a Plan I Can Stick With

11/5/2019

Reading Scripture was both an Old Testament practice (Exodus 24:7; Deuteronomy 17:19; 31:11; Joshua 8:34-35; 2 Kings 22:8–23:2; Jeremiah 36:15; Nehemiah 8:8) and a New Testament practice (Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27). It was performed by Jesus Himself (Luke 4:16-20), and prescribed by the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 4:13).

"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching." 1 Timothy 4:13

Today, it seems more important than ever for us to be in the Word of God.

"Read with an earnest desire to understand it. Read with simple childlike faith and humility. Read with a spirit of obedience and self-application. Read Scripture every day." —J.C. Ryle

What Bible reading does for the reader:

Bible reading will bless us (Revelation 1:3).
Bible reading leads us to know God's plan of salvation (2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:18).
Bible reading brings us to an understanding of God's will for our life (Ephesians 3:4; 5:17).

There are many different ways we can read God's Word. No matter the way, the benefits are great! Here are just 24 Ways To Benefit From Meditating on Scripture. Today, I want to encourage you to consider reading the Bible in chronological order, and here's why.

Chronological Order versus Canonical Order

All of God's Word is inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), but the order of the books of the Bible is not. The order of the books of the Bible is arranged by men. There is no divinely inspired order of the books of the Bible. In fact, the order of the books of the Bible differs between the Bible of the Hebrew, the Catholic, the Protestant, and the Eastern Orthodox. If one were to use a standard Bible and start reading in Genesis and read book-by-book in order to Revelation, they would be reading the Bible in canonical order.

The standard order of the books of most Bibles today is the canonical order:

Genesis to Malachi for the Old Testament
Matthew to Revelation for the New Testament

The canonical order of books does not follow a chronological order all the way through the Bible. Rather, it follows the order of books found in the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate translated by Jerome in the 4th century A.D.

The canonical order groups books together according to their type of literature:

law, history, poetry, and prophecy in the Old Testament
Gospel, history, and epistle in the New Testament

The chronological order groups books (or portions of books) together according to their historical date and content. Today, the order of the books in most Bibles is basically in chronological order from Genesis to 2 Kings, but after that chronological order of events often disappears. In the New Testament, Matthew through Acts is basically in chronological order, but after that the chronological order of events once again is gone. The majority of printed Bibles today arrange their books canonically rather than chronologically.

To place the books of the Bible in chronological order three kinds of rearranging must be done:

Whole books must be relocated. For example, in the Old Testament, Job is often placed after Genesis. Haggai and Zechariah would be placed within the book of Ezra. In the New Testament, Philemon would be grouped with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. James and Thessalonians would be placed before Corinthians.
Portions of books must be relocated. For example, portions of 1 Chronicles, Isaiah and Jeremiah are moved to reflect chronological order.
Portions of books must be combined. For example, some of the Psalms are placed within 1 and 2 Samuel and Old Testament prophetic material is placed within the books of Kings and Chronicles. In the New Testament, the four gospels are combined together and some of Paul's epistles are inserted into the books of Acts.

Keep in mind that Bible scholars and historians differ on some aspects of Bible dating and so determining chronological order is not an exact science. Chronological ordering is not easy to do and will differ some from person to person. While chronological ordering can be relative and tentative at times, the reader can still gain a general chronological flow of Bible history from beginning to end.

A Tool for Chronological Order of Book Authorship Bible Reading

If you would like to read through God's Word in chronological order of book authorship, do what I am doing. I’m using this Bible Reading Itinerary. It begins with the book of Job. Did you know that Genesis is not the first book written in the Bible?

This lovely, 12-month, self-guided (or group-guided) Bible reading itinerary gently leads the reader on a journey through the Bible in chronological order of book authorship. If you haven't read God’s Word in this order, you're in for a real treat! The itinerary gives readers a unique perspective of the Bible. Make your plans to read through God’s Word by downloading this resource today! The itinerary is great for new believers and for those established in the faith as well.

Download your Bible Reading Itinerary today!

Benefits of Chronological Bible Reading

Reading the Bible in chronological order has important benefits not found in other reading plans:

Reading the Bible chronologically gives one a better sense of the overall flow of Bible history from beginning to end. The reader learns to keep a Bible passage in its historical context and order. By reading chronologically, the Bible student can more easily follow God's plan of salvation from the beginning—the mystery that has been manifest from times eternal to the present (Romans 16:25-26; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:26). Remember, the Bible is not a catechism or a topical textbook arranged by subject matter: God, man, sin, salvation, etc. The Bible is a single, unified message of salvation that flows through several periods of history.
Reading the Bible chronologically allows the reader to put together the historical events with the doctrinal lessons attached to them. For example, in the Old Testament, one can read about the tumultuous events of the life of David in 1 Samuel, followed by the God-honoring feelings of his life in the book of Psalms. Or, one can read about the ungodly history of Israel in 1-2 Kings, followed by the powerful sermons preached by the prophets during that time. The historical events are explained by the spiritual lessons and vice-versa. This chronological connection of historical events with spiritual lessons is especially important to Bible teachers and preachers as they prepare lessons and sermons.

Tools for Chronological Bible Reading

There are three types of tools available to anyone interested in reading the Bible chronologically:

Chronological study Bibles are available for purchase in various translations. The books and chapters in these Bibles are rearranged from the standard, canonical order and printed in chronological order. Most chronological study Bibles contain both the Old and New Testaments, but a few contain the New Testament only. Here are several chronological Bibles to choose from: The Chronological Study Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers uses the New King James Version. The One Year Chronological Bible by Tyndale House Publishers uses the New International Version and the New Living Translation. The Narrated Bible In Chronological Order and The Daily Bible: In Chronological Order by Harvest House Publishers both use the New International Version. The Seamless Bible: The Events of the New Testament in Chronological Order by Charles C. Roller and The Reese Chronological Bible by Bethany House Publishers both use the King James Version.
If someone wants to use his own Bible, they can purchase a printed outline of Bible passages in chronological order. The reader would follow the chronological outline and read from their own Bible. One example of a printed chronological outline is Footsteps Through The Bible: A 52-Week Chronological Reading Plan and Study Reference by Richard M. Gagnon. Another helpful outline is Read Through the Bible in a Year: In Chronological Order by John R. Kohlenberger III. Or, you can download our chronological order of book authorship Bible Reading Itinerary TODAY!
There are also several Internet resources available for chronological Bible reading. The advantage to these sources is that you don't have to spend much, if any, money to get started reading chronologically. You can download our chronological order of book authorship Bible Reading Itinerary here. Or, go to Christianity.com. This site contains five Bible reading plans including a chronological plan which can be used with several English versions and some foreign language versions as well. Another site that contains a chronological plan in different versions is Bible Plan. You can also look at the chronological reading plans supplied by Bible Gateway, Into Thy Word, SBL Ministries, and A. Allison Lewis.

Reading the Bible Chronologically

Let me encourage you, friend, to read the Bible in chronological order at least once in your lifetime. It will reward you greatly in your understanding of God's overall plan for saving mankind. The Bible is one, continuous message of salvation from paradise on earth lost (Genesis 1-3) to paradise in Heaven regained (Revelation 21-22). By reading chronologically, you will see the beautiful panoramic view of God's plan of salvation as it is seen through a series of unfolding events across the periods of time.

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Have you ever read through the Bible in chronological order of book authorship? If so, how was your experience?

32 Comments

Barbara Harper link

11/5/2019 09:15:39 am

I received a chronological Bible as a gift, and I am looking forward to reading it! One time in my regular reading through the Bible, I looked up the psalm that arose from the historical situations in Kings and Chronicles. It was so enriching to read them in context.

Patsy Burnette link

11/5/2019 01:12:36 pm

Yes, Barbara, I really enjoy reading the historical events (especially of David's life) along with the pleas for mercy and divine intervention in the book of Psalms.

Debbie Wilson link

11/5/2019 09:39:47 am

I read through the Chronological Bible many years ago and enjoyed reading David's Psalms within the narrative of David's life and having other pieces with in a time line. But it took me two years!

11/5/2019 01:15:47 pm

Debbie, this is exactly what I love about it! And just seeing the plan of salvation play out throughout the Word, from Genesis to Revelation is marvelous!

Rebecca Hastings link

11/5/2019 11:19:25 am

I love this resource! It makes me believe I can actually do it! Happily pinned and shared on FB :)

11/5/2019 01:18:42 pm

Rebecca, thank you for pinning and sharing! :) I'm planning to read through the Bible in 2020 using this resource. I'm so excited!!!

Michele Morin link

11/5/2019 01:07:16 pm

I love reading Scripture chronologically! It 's so enlightening to get the prophets in their historical context and the epistles interspersed with the book of Acts!

12/9/2019 03:29:07 pm

I'm looking forward to doing this in 2020, Michele!

Rebecca Jones link

11/5/2019 03:55:41 pm

Hi Patsy, I have to admit, I don't read the Bible through yearly. I usually just go with what is on my heart. Most people start with Revelation when they don't even get Acts. I tell people to start with John about His love and then read elsewhere. I do have to remind them that Genesis and Job are so close in time as well, I think he could have lived in the time of Joseph. I hated reading sacrifices but if you do you will appreciate Jesus more.

11/5/2019 05:01:21 pm

I'm excited about reading through the Bible in chronological order in 2020, Rebecca. Join me!

Lisa notes link

11/5/2019 06:04:15 pm

I like reading the Bible chronologically too. It just makes more sense to me that way. I use a 2-year plan though instead of a 1-year. I found that I was just speed-reading to check the box when I tried to finish in 1 year. Even then, it sometimes takes me 3 years. :) But I do try to keep it going in a cycle, and when I finish, I just start again but in a different translation to keep the words fresh for me. Thanks for the encouragement to stay in the Word!

11/6/2019 06:57:20 am

It's amazing to me, Lisa, how reading the Word is always fresh and alive to me and I continue to read things and understand things that I seemed to never read or understand before. I'm excited to read through God's Word in 2020 in chronological order—it's my favorite way to read it. Like you said, it just seems to make more sense.

Susan Shipe link

11/6/2019 07:21:31 am

Chrono is the only way to go! 2017 it was my plan and I absolutely LOVED it.

11/6/2019 09:29:28 am

Agreed, Susan!

nylse link

11/6/2019 02:24:17 pm

This is on my list especially after delving so deeply into the book of Ezra. There's a historical span of time that provides context as we read.

11/6/2019 03:17:01 pm

Yes, Nylse, the historical context is one of the main reasons I like reading the Bible through chronologically. And I'm loving your posts on Ezra BTW! :)

Lauren Renee Sparks link

11/6/2019 03:13:33 pm

I have read through the bible in both of these ways and I say, however you do it, just do it. Time well spent. laurensparks.net

11/6/2019 03:18:46 pm

Agreed, Lauren! JUST DO IT! (to borrow a tagline from a famous athletic wear company) ;-)

Angela Johnson link

11/6/2019 03:37:33 pm

"Bible reading will bless us (Revelation 1:3).
Bible reading leads us to know God's plan of salvation (2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:18).
Bible reading brings us to an understanding of God's will for our life (Ephesians 3:4; 5:17)." I have also found that it grows our intimate relationship with Him, as well as giving us the desire to know Him more.

11/6/2019 03:42:33 pm

Agreed, Angela! The more we know of Him, the more we want to know Him better. It's a blessed circle! :)

Janine link

11/6/2019 09:42:38 pm

Years ago I taped the chronological order "guide" into my Bible, and I was finally able to read through the Bible in a year. It changed my life, because I discovered truths I had never heard or read before. I have always dated passages when I read them, and I realized that I was re-reading many chapters or books, but skipping others. Reading the Bible in order was key to helping me see "the big picture" of the Bible. I could better see how Christ fulfilled the OT, and realized that I was occasionally mixing up OT and NT principles. After reading it in order, I found I knew the OT better than the NT and that I should focus more on reading the NT.

11/7/2019 06:29:09 am

This testimony is so encouraging to read, Janine! I believe reading the Bible in chronological order gives readers a better overall picture of God revealing Himself through both the Old and New Testament as well as a clearer picture of His plan of salvation. His plan of salvation was never "Plan B" as I once thought. It was, from the very beginning, the only plan and the only way.

April link

11/8/2019 07:57:15 am

In 2017 was the first time I read the Bible in a chronological plan. I absolutely couldn't believe I had waited so long to read it that way. I love how it gives variety when it goes to a psalms in the middle of other books. I read a different plan this year but I'm going back through chronologically in 2020!

11/8/2019 09:06:45 am

Yea, April! This is so encouraging to read. I will be doing the chronological plan in 2020 as well! :)

Donna Reidland link

11/8/2019 11:14:31 am

Reading through the Bible has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. One year I did use a chronological daily Bible but found I like the regular arrangement with a plan that allows me to read some in the OT, some in the NT, a smaller portion of a Psalm and a verse or 2 in Proverbs the most enjoyable for me. But however we read God's Word it has the potential to impact our lives in powerful ways! Blessings in your reading in the coming year.

12/9/2019 03:31:39 pm

Yes, Donna! I'm looking forward, with much anticipation, to a real blessing in 2020 as I read through the Bible. It IS powerful and alive and relevant!!!

Jana link

11/8/2019 12:40:26 pm

I love this post! I've planned to read through the Bible chronologically next year, so your comprehensive guide just got me more excited! Thanks for this!

12/9/2019 03:32:50 pm

Thank you so much, Jana! I'm looking forward to reading though the Bible chronologically in 2020 as well! :)

Maree Dee link

11/11/2019 09:56:47 am

I have never read through the Bible in Chronological order. I think I might give it a whirl. Thank you. Maree

12/9/2019 03:33:48 pm

Yea, Maree!!! give it a whirl! :) I'm excited about it!

Christine Wood link

11/14/2019 09:45:31 pm

I purchased a chronological one year Bible several years ago. It's fascinating! Thanks for the reminder. I need to get it out again.

12/9/2019 03:36:29 pm

I have a chronological Bible as well, Christine. Get yours back out and let's do this in 2020!!! I love history. So, reading the Bible in this manner, where you can appreciate more of it's historical context, is exciting to me.

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