What to Read After John in the Bible? Reading Order Inside!

If you’ve just finished reading the book of John in the Bible, congratulations! You’ve jumped into one of the most important books in the Bible, one that deeply reveals Jesus as the Son of God. But what to read after John in the Bible?
The Gospel of John in the Bible is unlike the other Gospels in its focus on Jesus’ divine nature, offering rich spiritual truths that can really speak to your heart as a new believer.
Through John’s narrative, we see Jesus as the light of the world, the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
What To Read After John in the Bible
Where do you go from here? Finishing John in the bible is just the beginning of your journey. Now is the perfect time to dig even deeper into the Word of God by following a thoughtful reading order.
This will help you not only grow in your knowledge of the Bible but also nurture your spiritual growth as you explore the broader narrative of God’s love and salvation plan.
Moving forward with intention can lead to a more complete understanding of how all the books of the Bible are interconnected, deepening your faith and grounding you in God’s truth.
Option One: Start with the Book of Acts
Now that you’ve completed the Book of John and seen Jesus as the Son of God and Lamb of God, it’s time to continue the story by diving into the Book of Acts.
Acts is the perfect next book because it picks up right where John leaves off. It shows how the ministry of Jesus Christ doesn’t end with His ascension but continues powerfully through the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the apostles.
In Acts, you’ll see how the early church began to spread like wildfire. The Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles at Pentecost, empowering them to carry the message of Jesus to the world.
It’s in this book that you really get to know Apostle Paul and witness his incredible transformation from a man who persecuted Christians to one of the most influential leaders of the faith.
His missionary journeys, detailed in Acts, are a great place to understand how God can use anyone, no matter their past, for His kingdom.
If you’re a new believer or just looking to continue your study, Acts is not only a *good place* to learn about the growth of the early church but also an inspiring reminder of how the Holy Spirit empowers each of us to live out the ministry of Jesus Christ today.
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Option Two: Exploring the Epistles (Paul’s Letters for Christian Life)
After reading Acts, the natural next step is to dive into Paul’s letters books like Romans, Galatians, and Philippians. These epistles provide practical wisdom for living the Christian life while offering deeper insights into Christian beliefs.
Paul’s letters are where theology meets real life, as he covers everything from how to navigate daily challenges to what it means to live in the grace and freedom Christ offers.
In Romans, you’ll find a powerful explanation of salvation and righteousness through faith, while Galatians tackles the tension between law and grace. And if you’re looking for encouragement, Philippians is all about finding joy in every circumstance, no matter how hard life gets.
These letters are rich in teaching about spiritual growth, but they also give practical guidance for how to live a life that honors God through good works and deepening your knowledge of God.
If you’re ready to grow in your understanding of God’s purpose for your life, Paul’s letters are essential reading for both your mind and your heart.

Option Three: Read Luke or Mark for Different Perspectives
After exploring the rich theology in Paul’s letters, it’s a good idea to revisit the Gospel accounts for a fresh perspective. The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed, chronological narrative from the birth of Jesus all the way to His ascension, offering a comprehensive look at His life and ministry.
Luke’s focus on compassion and Jesus’ interactions with different people adds depth to what you’ve already learned in John.
If you prefer something more fast-paced, the Gospel of Mark the shortest gospel focuses heavily on the miracles of Jesus and is action-packed from start to finish. Mark’s direct approach complements John’s spiritual depth, giving you different perspectives on the same events.
Reading both of these Gospels helps round out your understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry, providing a fuller picture of the Son of God and His work on earth.
Read more: Where In The Bible Does It Say God Turned His Face Away?
Option Four: Returning to the Old Testament
After exploring the New Testament, it’s essential to look back at the Old Testament to see how God’s plan for redemption began. Starting with Genesis, you’ll connect the story of creation and the fall of man to the ultimate need for Jesus’ sacrifice.
The Book of Genesis lays the groundwork for understanding why we need a Savior and sets the stage for everything that follows.
Next, dive into Isaiah and the Minor Prophets, where the coming of the Messiah is prophesied. These books were written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, yet they point directly to Him. Isaiah in particular speaks beautifully of the Jewish people’s hope for a Redeemer, offering a bridge between the Old and New Testaments.
By exploring these texts, you’ll see how Jesus’ life fulfills these ancient promises.
Topical Reading Plans
For a focused study, consider Bible reading plans that highlight the teachings of Jesus, His miracles, or the love of God. These thematic plans offer a structured way to revisit key messages from both the Old and New Testament books.
Whether you want to dive into Jesus’ parables or explore God’s love throughout Scripture, these plans make it easy to deepen your understanding of important biblical themes.
Canon Completion by Reading the Rest of the New Testament
Once you’ve made your way through the Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters, it’s time to complete the rest of the New Testament. Books like James and 1 Peter offer practical guidance for living out your faith, while Revelation provides a powerful conclusion to the biblical narrative.
Finishing the New Testament gives you a comprehensive view of the whole Bible, allowing you to see how each book fits into God’s overarching story. By following the canonical order, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the *entire Bible* and how the New Testament completes the Old.

Using Helpful Tools to Stay Consistent with Bible Reading
Staying consistent with your Bible reading can be challenging, but there are helpful tools that make it easier. An ESV Study Bible is a fantastic resource for deeper insight into the text, offering notes on context, background, and themes.
For a more visual approach, check out Bible Project videos, which break down the structure of different books, time periods, and different literary styles in an engaging way. You can also use Bible apps that send daily reminders or offer reading plans, keeping you on track.
Final Thoughts: Multiple Options For What To Read After John in the Bible
As you’ve journeyed from the Gospel of John In the Bible to Acts, through Paul’s letters, the Gospels, and even back to the Old Testament, you’ve been following a path designed for deep spiritual growth.
This approach gives you a well-rounded view of God’s Word and connects the major themes of the Bible, enriching your understanding of the big picture.
By following this best way to read the Bible, you’re not just gaining knowledge you’re deepening your relationship with Christ Jesus and growing in faith.
xoxo