1. Introduction
The Canonical Reading Plan follows the traditional order of the 66 books as arranged in the standard Protestant Bible. This order reflects:
- Literary groupings (Law, History, Poetry, Prophets, Gospels, Acts, Epistles, Revelation)
- Theological progression from creation, covenant, kingdom, exile, restoration, to Christ and the Church.
2. Purpose
✔️ To read Scripture as traditionally structured for liturgical and doctrinal formation
✔️ To appreciate how books are grouped thematically and genre-wise
✔️ To memorise book order for navigation in teaching, preaching, and study
✔️ To reflect on the unity and diversity of Scripture as a whole
3. Canonical Reading Order
Old Testament
The Pentateuch (Law of Moses)
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Leviticus
- Numbers
- Deuteronomy
Historical Books
6. Joshua
7. Judges
8. Ruth
9. 1 Samuel
10. 2 Samuel
11. 1 Kings
12. 2 Kings
13. 1 Chronicles
14. 2 Chronicles
15. Ezra
16. Nehemiah
17. Esther
Poetry and Wisdom
18. Job
19. Psalms
20. Proverbs
21. Ecclesiastes
22. Song of Solomon
Major Prophets
23. Isaiah
24. Jeremiah
25. Lamentations
26. Ezekiel
27. Daniel
Minor Prophets
28. Hosea
29. Joel
30. Amos
31. Obadiah
32. Jonah
33. Micah
34. Nahum
35. Habakkuk
36. Zephaniah
37. Haggai
38. Zechariah
39. Malachi
New Testament
Gospels
40. Matthew
41. Mark
42. Luke
43. John
History
44. Acts
Pauline Epistles
45. Romans
46. 1 Corinthians
47. 2 Corinthians
48. Galatians
49. Ephesians
50. Philippians
51. Colossians
52. 1 Thessalonians
53. 2 Thessalonians
54. 1 Timothy
55. 2 Timothy
56. Titus
57. Philemon
General Epistles
58. Hebrews
59. James
60. 1 Peter
61. 2 Peter
62. 1 John
63. 2 John
64. 3 John
65. Jude
Prophecy
66. Revelation
4. Recommended Schedule
✔️ 1 Year Plan: ~3–4 chapters daily
✔️ 6 Month Plan: ~6–7 chapters daily
✔️ 3 Month Plan: ~12–14 chapters daily
5. Reading Tips
✅ Use study Bibles or commentary introductions before each book for historical and theological context.
✅ Reflect on how each book contributes to the Bible’s overarching narrative.
✅ Create book summary notes after each book to build your structured theology database.
✅ Combine with psalms and proverbs reading for daily worship and wisdom (explored in Entry 6).
6. Practical Application
Reading canonically:
- Strengthens doctrinal foundation systematically.
- Builds familiarity with the traditional ordering for referencing in preaching, teaching, and group study.
- Reveals Scripture’s cohesive design, enhancing confidence in God’s Word as a divinely inspired whole.