Read in context
Read John 20:19–31, including Thomas’s encounter with the risen Jesus. The Gospel then explains why these signs have been recorded. Use that stated purpose to guide study of earlier scenes.
Bible Study Tutor
How to start a Bible reading plan and build a rhythm that lasts
A Bible reading plan works best when it has a clear purpose, a realistic daily portion, and room for ordinary interruptions. You can choose a built-in plan in Bible Study Tutor or create your own plan from a list of Bible passages, then track each day as you read.
Begin a Gospel plan with its stated purpose: John 20:30-31
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.
John 20:30-31 · WEB · World English Bible
30 Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Scripture text source · Public domain
1. Observation · what does it say?
Question: What does the writer say about selection and purpose?
Example answer: Verse 30 says Jesus did many other signs not recorded in this book. Verse 31 explains that these are written so readers may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name. The text itself links selected evidence, Jesus’ identity, belief, and life.
2. Meaning · how does the context explain it?
Question: How should this shape reading a miracle earlier in John?
Example answer: The signs are not simply displays of power or instructions for obtaining a similar miracle. They direct attention to who Jesus is and invite belief. An interpretation should therefore ask how the specific scene serves that purpose, while still examining its own dialogue and setting.
3. Application · one possible response
One possible response: “This week I will read John 9, note what the healing and ensuing conversation reveal about Jesus, and write down a question about belief that the story raises for me.” This is an intentional way to study according to the book’s own stated purpose.
Begin a Gospel plan with its stated purpose
Try it yourself: How can John 20:30–31 guide your reading of John from the beginning?
Read this purpose statement, then begin John 1 in manageable sections. After each reading, note what it reveals about Jesus and how someone responds to Him. Choose a pace that allows those questions, and resume honestly after an interruption rather than rushing several readings without understanding.
A reading to avoid
Do not force every scene into an identical summary or treat belief as merely agreeing with a slogan. Observe how people respond to Jesus throughout the narrative.
Pray and revisit
Jesus, help me understand the testimony about You and respond with trust.
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.
Step-by-step process
- Choose one clear goal, such as reading a Gospel, studying a book, or building a daily Scripture habit.
- Select a book or theme that serves that goal and read enough context to avoid collecting disconnected verses.
- Choose a realistic length such as 7, 30, or 90 days, or one year.
- Set a daily reading size you can usually complete without rushing.
- Choose a catch-up rule before you begin: resume with the first incomplete reading or move the remaining dates forward.
- Decide which readings need deeper study and which can remain attentive reading and prayer.
- Review the plan weekly and adjust the pace if it is producing pressure instead of steady engagement with Scripture.
Begin with a purpose
Decide whether you want to meet Jesus in a Gospel, understand one Bible book, trace a theme, establish a short daily habit, or read through a larger part of Scripture. The goal should shape the passages and pace.
Choose or create the plan
Use a built-in short, medium, or long plan, or create a custom plan by entering a title and one Bible reference per day. A custom plan is useful for a church series, book study, or personal reading pathway.
Keep reading and deeper study distinct
Read the day’s passage first. When a section needs closer attention, send it to SOAP, OIA, Inductive Study, or another available guided method rather than expecting every daily reading to become a long study.
Use a gracious catch-up rule
If you miss several days, continue with the first incomplete reading or use Catch me up to move the remaining dates forward. Avoid doubling every missed reading if that turns the plan into pressure.
Choose a realistic Bible reading plan length
Daily time is only a rough guide because passage length and reading pace vary. Begin with a pace you can sustain and adjust it when needed.
| Plan length | Best suited to | Typical daily rhythm |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Beginners, one theme, or restarting a habit | One short passage · about 5–10 minutes |
| 30 days | One book, a Gospel overview, or a monthly theme | One passage or chapter · about 10–15 minutes |
| 90 days | A larger section of Scripture or a steady seasonal plan | One to three chapters · about 15–25 minutes |
| One year | The whole Bible or another broad reading goal | Several chapters · about 15–30 minutes |
Start a Bible reading plan
Open the Plans tab, choose a plan, and continue from the next reading in the Bible reader.
Common questions
How do I create my own Bible reading plan?
Choose a goal and duration, list one Bible passage for each day, and decide how you will handle missed readings. In Bible Study Tutor, open Plans, choose Create custom plan, add a title, and enter one Bible reference per line.
What is a good Bible reading plan for beginners?
A focused seven-day plan through key Gospel passages is a manageable place to begin. It introduces Jesus’ identity, teaching, compassion, death, and resurrection without requiring several chapters each day.
What should I do when I miss several days?
Resume with the first incomplete reading instead of trying to repay a debt. In Bible Study Tutor, you can also use Catch me up to move the remaining plan dates forward.
Should I study every reading deeply?
Not necessarily. Read each passage attentively, but reserve deeper guided study for passages that raise questions, carry the main theme, or need slower reflection.
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.
Open reading plans