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“Why You Should Read and Entire Book of the Bible”
Categories: Magnify the Lord!(By Michael Walls)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God…” — 2 Timothy 3:16
In the middle of the thirteenth century, a man called Stephen Langton created the chapter divisions we now have in the Bible. In the mid-fifteenth century, a Jewish rabbi named Nathan further divided the chapters into verses for the Old Testament. About one hundred years later, a gentleman by the name of Stephanus divided the New Testament in a similar fashion. Thus was the development of the versification of the Bible. This was done to make locating specific passages much more efficient, which it did.
Anyone who has read the Bible, however, will have noted that sometimes the chapter divisions do not make sense-they tend to happen right in the middle of an author’s thought or point. Also, it is easy to note that verses are often not complete sentences or thoughts, and that they are broken up in seemingly random places. An old Bible professor of mine once said something to the effect that, “The versification of the Bible often seems like it was done by an illiterate man while riding a donkey at full gallop.” I cannot disagree.
This issue underscores the reason we need to read the Bible in larger chunks. This of course takes some time, but what better way to spend your time than in properly reading the Bible? I would also suggest getting a translation that formats the text in paragraphs as this also helps with understanding. Keep doing your daily Bible reading (or start if you are not) but add reading whole books to your process. I would suggest focusing on the books that are being studied currently at your church. Read those several times over the course of the Bible class and you will develop a new appreciation for the author’s purpose.
In an age of quick devotionals and one-verse encouragements, it’s easy to treat the Bible like a collection of inspirational snippets. And while a single verse can be powerful, something richer awaits those who read an entire book of the Bible from start to finish.
1. You Understand the Full Context
Every verse has a home. That verse you see on a coffee mug or social media post is part of a conversation, a prayer, a warning, or a story. Reading an entire book—whether it’s a short letter like Philippians or a long narrative like Genesis—lets you understand the message as it was originally intended. You hear the author’s tone, see the unfolding of arguments, and grasp the purpose behind the words.
2. You Get the Big Picture
God’s Word is more than disconnected teachings; it tells a unified story. Reading a full book shows how ideas connect, how themes develop, and how God moves through history and hearts. It helps you see the storyline of redemption in motion, from the shadows of the Old Testament to the light of Christ in the New.
3. You Learn to Handle Scripture Accurately
Taking verses out of context can lead to confusion or even spiritual error. Reading whole books trains your eyes and heart to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). You begin to see what God actually said—not just what we wish He said.
4. You Deepen Your Relationship with God
The Bible is God’s voice, and the more you listen to Him speak in full, the better you come to know His character. You see His mercy in the Psalms, His justice in the Prophets, His grace in the Gospels, and His wisdom in the Letters. Reading whole books is like sitting down for a full conversation with God, not just catching sound bites.
5. You Experience Growth and Endurance
Some books of the Bible are challenging. But pushing through them builds spiritual endurance. You’re exercising your faith muscles. You’re learning to listen to all of God’s Word—not just the easy or familiar parts.
Start Small, Stay Steady
Reading a whole book doesn’t mean doing it in one sitting (though you certainly can!). Start with something manageable like James, Ruth, or Philippians. Ask:
What is this book saying?
What does it teach me about God?
What should I do in response?
Reading a full book of the Bible invites you to go deeper, see clearer, and live more faithfully. It’s not about checking a box—it’s about sitting at the feet of the Author and letting His words shape your life. So pick a book, open your Bible, and start reading. There’s more waiting for you than you can imagine.
