Where to Start Reading the Bible: Begin With John
John opens his Gospel by tracing everything back to the Word who was with God and was God, then says that Word became flesh. That is why a new reader does well to start with a Gospel and read toward Jesus.
Who Do You Say That I Am? Matthew 16:13–18
Jesus moves the question about himself from rumor to personal confession, and Peter's answer, that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the living God, is something heaven revealed. On that confession Jesus promises a building he himself will raise.
Who Do You Say I Am: Peter's Confession
Jesus moves from public opinion to a personal question, and Peter confesses him as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus calls that answer revelation from the Father, then immediately ties the title to suffering and resurrection.
John 1:1–14: Start With the Word, Not Rules
John opens his Gospel by telling you who Jesus is before he tells you anything he did. For a beginner, that order matters: the Bible is first a book about a person.