Read in context
Read Mark 1:1–20. After the opening account of John and Jesus’ baptism and testing, Mark introduces Jesus’ proclamation in Galilee and the calling of the first disciples.
Bible Study Tutor
Bible study for beginners
Bible Study Tutor helps new Bible readers slow down and understand a passage one step at a time, without needing to know where to begin. Start small, stay close to the text, and let Scripture shape prayer and response.
Begin with four manageable questions: Mark 1:14-20
Read the passage before comparing your answers with the worked notes. Each example separates what the text says, how its meaning follows from context, and one possible response. Use a Bible and paper or your preferred study tool.
Mark 1:14-20 · WEB · World English Bible
14 Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.” 16 Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets, and followed him. 19 Going on a little further from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.
Scripture text source · Public domain
1. Observation · what does it say?
Question: What does Jesus announce and call people to do?
Example answer: Verses 14–15 connect His proclamation with God’s good news, the fulfilment of the time, and the nearness of God’s Kingdom. Repentance and belief are named responses. Verses 16–20 then describe people being called to follow Him and leaving their fishing work. The story shows a response as well as stating one.
2. Meaning · how does the context explain it?
Question: What holds the announcement and the calling together?
Example answer: Jesus’ message calls for a reorientation toward God’s reign, expressed in trusting the good news and following Him. The disciples’ response illustrates the seriousness of that call. It does not mean every reader must leave their employment immediately; that detail belongs to these particular callings.
3. Application · one possible response
One possible response: “I will identify one area where I treat following Jesus as an optional extra—perhaps honesty when it costs me—and choose a specific act of faithfulness this week. I will ask a trusted believer to help me think it through.” This applies the call to respond and follow without copying every circumstance of the fishermen.
Begin with four manageable questions
Try it yourself: Who is speaking, what is announced, what response is invited, and what happens next?
Write one short answer to each question using verses 14–20. Look at the worked notes only after trying. If you meet an unfamiliar expression such as the Kingdom of God, record the question and continue reading Mark rather than guessing or feeling you must solve everything at once.
A reading to avoid
Avoid reducing repentance to feeling bad or treating this scene as a universal command to resign from work. Trace what following Jesus comes to mean throughout Mark.
Pray and revisit
Jesus, help me receive Your good news and follow You in the choices before me.
After trying your response, return to the passage: what did you learn, what did you do, and what still needs thought? You can revise your notes as your understanding grows.
Start with a short passage
Open a chapter, select a few verses, and send them into Study so the app can guide you through the passage. A paragraph is usually better than a whole book when you are learning.
Use clear prompts
Methods such as SOAP, OIA, and READ ask simple questions about what you notice, what the passage means, and how to respond.
Ask simple questions
Begin with questions like: What does this say about God? What is happening here? Is there a command, promise, warning, or comfort? How should I pray in response?
Keep a record
Save studies to your journal so your understanding, prayers, and next steps are easy to revisit later.
Good starter passages
These passages are short enough to study carefully and rich enough to begin meaningful reflection.
- John 1:1-5 for seeing Jesus as the Word and light.
- Psalm 23 for learning to pray trust in God’s care.
- Mark 1:14-20 for seeing Jesus call people to follow Him.
- Romans 8:1-4 for understanding grace and life in Christ.
- James 1:2-8 for wisdom, trials, and prayer.
Beginner Bible study checklist
Use this simple pattern when you are not sure what to do next.
- Read a short passage slowly.
- Write one thing you notice.
- Ask what the passage shows about God, people, sin, grace, or faith.
- Write one honest response.
- Pray using words shaped by the passage.
Start your first guided study
Open Bible Study Tutor, choose a short passage, and let the guided prompts help you take the next step.
Common questions
Where should a beginner start reading the Bible?
Many beginners start with the Gospel of John, Mark, a Psalm, or a short New Testament passage.
What Bible study method is best for beginners?
SOAP is often a good first method because it is simple: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
Do I need a Bible study account to begin?
No. You can explore Bible Study Tutor first. A free account helps save progress across devices.
Should beginners study alone or with others?
Both can be helpful. Personal study builds rhythm, while a church, mentor, or small group can help with questions and encouragement.
Continue in Bible Study Tutor
Open the free app on desktop or mobile. Bible Study Tutor is privacy-aware, has no public timeline, and includes guided study, the Bible reader, memory verses, journal tools, and printable worksheets.
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