Engaging with the New Testament can be a profoundly rewarding experience, offering insights into the life of Jesus Christ, the early Christian church, and the teachings that have shaped centuries of Christian faith. For those looking to delve into the New Testament, having a structured reading plan can make the journey more manageable and meaningful. Here’s a simple yet comprehensive plan to read through the New Testament in a way that balances depth with feasibility.
Understanding the New Testament
Before diving into a reading plan, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the New Testament’s structure. The New Testament is divided into several sections:
- The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John): These books tell the story of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
- The Acts of the Apostles: This book describes the early Christian church and the spread of Christianity after Jesus’ resurrection.
- The Epistles (Letters): Written by various early Christian leaders, these letters address theological issues, provide guidance, and encourage believers in their faith.
- The Book of Revelation: Often symbolic and prophetic, this book concludes the New Testament with a vision of the end times and God’s ultimate triumph.
A 90-Day Reading Plan
To read the entire New Testament in 90 days, you’ll need to read approximately 2-3 chapters per day. This pace allows for a thorough exploration without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s a breakdown:
Days 1-28: The Gospels - Days 1-7: Matthew (28 chapters, about 4 chapters per day) - Days 8-14: Mark (16 chapters, about 2 chapters per day) - Days 15-21: Luke (24 chapters, about 2.5 chapters per day) - Days 22-28: John (21 chapters, about 2.5 chapters per day)
Days 29-35: Acts - Acts has 28 chapters, so read about 2.8 chapters per day for 7 days (Days 29-35)
Days 36-77: The Epistles - Romans (16 chapters, Days 36-41, about 2.5 chapters per day) - 1 & 2 Corinthians (14 + 13 chapters, Days 42-48, about 3 chapters per day) - Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians (6 + 6 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 3 chapters, Days 49-57, about 3.5 chapters per day) - 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon (6 + 4 + 3 + 1 chapters, Days 58-62, about 3 chapters per day) - Hebrews (13 chapters, Days 63-66, about 3.25 chapters per day) - James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, Jude (5 + 5 + 5 + 1 chapters, Days 67-73, about 2.5 chapters per day)
Days 78-90: Revelation and Review - Revelation (22 chapters, Days 78-84, about 2.75 chapters per day) - Use the last 6 days (Days 85-90) to review any parts of the New Testament you found particularly challenging or would like to revisit for deeper understanding.
Tips for Your Reading Plan
- Start Small: Even if you can’t commit to reading every day, start with what you can manage and adjust as needed.
- Reflect and Journal: Writing down your thoughts, questions, and insights can deepen your understanding and engagement.
- Pray Before Reading: Asking for guidance and openness can enrich your experience.
- Discuss with Others: Sharing your journey with a friend or in a group can provide additional perspectives and encouragement.
- Be Patient: Some sections, especially in the Epistles and Revelation, can be complex. Take your time, and don’t hesitate to seek out resources for clarification.
Embarking on a journey through the New Testament is a significant undertaking, but with a structured approach and a willingness to learn, it can be a profoundly enriching experience. Remember, the goal is not just to complete the reading plan but to allow the words and teachings to touch your heart and mind.
