Reading The Bible In Chronological Order
(With Free Reading Plan!)
Have you ever had a friend who, when telling a story tended to jump around? By the time they come up for air, you are pretty confused about how all the pieces and parts fit together.
Sadly, I am one of those people. I’m just not a good storyteller. I start sharing something, and before I know it, I am running down a bunny trail before circling back to my point only to get lost again. Half the time I can’t even remember what my point was! Can you relate?
Unfortunately, that was how I read the Bible too.
I have never read the Bible cover-to-cover. But I have read many of the books between the covers, one random chapter at a time. A typical study time for me would include diving into whatever book I felt led to read, coming across something that caught my interest followed by a wandering bunny trail of research. Sometimes I made it back to my original study topic (or book), and sometimes I completely forgot what I was originally studying and moved on.
Because of my aimless wandering around, I often missed how intertwined the godly principles and stories are. Too many of the biblical accounts felt jumbled and disjointed. When this bad habit was brought to my attention, I asked God for a clear path with my thinking and a way to stay focused. I didn’t have a light bulb moment until one day I came across a Bible I had not seen before. It was a Chronological Study Bible, which I immediately purchased.
What Is A Chronological Bible
A traditional Bible is arranged by grouping similar book genres (history, the law, letters, etc.) together. They are arranged by books, not passages or accounts.
A chronological Bible is “pulled apart” and put back together, arranged in the order in which the events of the Bible are believed to have happened. Sections (not necessarily whole books) are arranged so that you can see how key events took place and fit together. This allows for a better understanding of context, and we know context is key to proper biblical understanding!
Although there are more than a few to pick from, most of the sections in a chronological Bible have dates assigned to them so that you can stay on track with your reading. A chronological Bible allows you to continue reading without flipping around as you would need to do in a traditional Bible.
Examples Of The Flow Of A Chronological Bible
We read about David in 1 and 2 Samuel. He also wrote some of the Psalms. Do you know which psalm he wrote when? Or why he felt the need to write them? You might not think it matters until you realize that after his involvement with Bathsheba, David wrote Psalm 51. So in a chronological Bible, your reading in Samuel would pause and switch over to Psalm 51, then go back to where you left off in the book of Samuel. Reading it this way gives you a significantly greater understanding of the impact David’s sin had on his heart and soul.
You know that the Gospels tell the same story of Jesus from different perspectives but did you know that the books of Kings and Chronicles do the same? With a chronological Bible, those passages would be lined up together, not in separate books.
Paul wrote 1 & 2 Thessalonians to share with the church at Thessalonica about suffering and maintaining their hope in Jesus Christ despite persecution. But did you know that in Acts 17, Paul addresses issues he had with starting this church? The backdrop (Acts 17) of 1 and 2 Thessalonians helps us see the church at Thessalonica as real people with real issues instead of vague shadows from the past.
How Accurate Is A Chronological Bible?
The books of the Bible were written over thousands of years with over 30 authors. The creators of the chronological Bible used the Bible plus secular historical documents to help them gauge some of the events written about in the Bible. The timelines of some events in the Bible are spelled out, but many are not.
As hard as they tried, the order of events given in a chronological Bible cannot be 100% accurate. However, the experts loosely agree on the chronological order of occurrence.
For example, in a Chronological Bible, we start reading Genesis and get a firm foundation established. We read up to the account of the Tower of Babel before moving over to read about Job’s life, then going back to Genesis and the life of Abraham. It is believed that Job lived around the time of the Tower of Babel and before Abraham. But did he really? Although they are basing this information on many historical documents, nobody knows for sure because the Bible doesn’t tell us.
Do You Need A Chronological Bible?
Do you need a chronological Bible to read and/or study? No. It is not necessary. However, if reading the Bible this way sounds appealing to you, you have a few options to pick from:
Traditional Book Form
If you prefer reading the Bible in book form, check Amazon or your local Christian book store for a chronological Bible.
Just as you can find a “regular” Bible in many different versions (King James, New Living Translation, NASB, etc.), you can find a Chronological Bible in your preferred versions as well.
For Additional Reading: The Complete Guide To Choosing A Bible
An App
If you prefer to have your Bible on the go, you can always use a free Bible app. Each app is different. Be sure to check out a few to find one that suits your particular needs. I would recommend checking out the Blue Letter Bible app, YouVersion app, the CSB Study App, or the Bible Study Tools app.
Tip: Many of the apps have an audio feature that will read the Bible to you. It’s great for when you are in the shower, weeding the garden, or doing something else that allows you lots of time for your mind to absorb what you are hearing while your hands are busy doing life’s necessary things.
Supplemental Material
If you don’t want to give up your regular Bible but still want to read chronologically, consider using a free printable chronological reading plan to help you with flipping around and following the flow of events. Many of the Bible study sites (and apps) have a free printable Chronological plan you can search for.
Do I Think It’s Best To Read The Bible Chronologically?
No. Although I think reading a chronological Bible is a great tool to make use of during your quiet time, it is not necessary. I would not recommend you use a chronological Bible as your everyday Bible. It might make it challenging to follow along on Sundays or during group Bible study.
Is A Chronological Bible For You?
It could be. I believe it is worth looking into. But if you are on the fence, consider a few things:
*Has your study time felt dry and stale but you desire fresh fire? Maybe reading the Bible chronologically will renew your spark.
*If you are having trouble with the flow of events like I was, reading this way might bless you.
*You’ve never read the Bible all the way through and feel like you get lost in the stories and who is who, maybe reading chronologically will help you.
What Do I Use?
I have used both a Chronological Bible and a traditional Bible with a reading plan. I prefer my favorite Bible with a chronological reading plan. Flipping around doesn’t bother me.
Free Chronological Reading Plan Printable
If a chronological reading plan appeals to you and you would like to continue using your traditional-style Bible, feel free to go to the Free Resources tab at the top of the page to download the 5-page chronological reading plan PDF that I have created. Simply print it off and tuck it in your Bible so you have it handy when you are ready for your quiet time each day.
I use the printable to keep myself on track and for accountability by crossing off the sections as I read them. Since I am a list-girl, this helps me feel that I am making headway. It also feels less overwhelming to me.
Closing Thoughts
I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit led me to the discovery of a chronological Bible. I believe it is a good tool to increase godly wisdom and understanding. But I also know that, like any other tool, it may not be for everyone. I have enjoyed it so much that soon I will be revealing a brand new series as I read the Bible chronologically and create posts about the things I am learning. I will be starting in Genesis and working my way through Scripture. All while using the free printable found on our resources tab!
Friend, regardless of how you choose to approach the Bible, the point is to get inside the covers and linger! Time with God is never wasted (Isaiah 55:11)!
