THE SHORT ANSWER
The Old Testament contains stories, laws, poetry and prophetic texts from the history of Israel. The New Testament tells about Jesus and the first Christians and includes gospels and letters. A separate New Testament is therefore not the complete Christian Bible.
Two parts of a collection of books
The Bible is not a book with one continuous story by one writer. It is a collection of texts with different forms and backgrounds. The NBG therefore also uses the image of a library. That thought helps when you suddenly turn from a story into a song or a letter.
“Old” here does not mean that the first part no longer needs to be read. The New Testament often refers back to earlier Bible texts. Christian traditions do not explain this connection in the same way at every point.
Choose a reading question for the section
Anyone who wants to get to know Jesus can read a Gospel. Anyone wondering where references to Moses or the Psalms come from will also look in the Old Testament. You don't need to know all the connections in advance to get started.
Pay attention to the type of text you are reading. A letter addresses people in a particular situation; a poem also uses imagery. Ask who is speaking and read the surrounding passage. This helps you avoid treating every isolated sentence as a direct answer to your own question.
Want to buy the complete Bible or individual parts?
A separate New Testament can be useful for a first introduction. However, it is missing the books of the Old Testament. Therefore, when purchasing, check the content and not just the title “Bible” on a web page. An additional selection of psalms does not make such an edition a complete Bible.
Our advice: choose a complete edition if you want to be able to follow references and read more broadly in the long term. View the Bible Selection or read why the collection of books can differ per tradition. If you are looking for help with the first reading step, use us practical starting advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the New Testament another translation?
No. It is part of the Bible and can be published in various translations.
Can I read the New Testament first?
Yes. You can explore the Old Testament references further later.
Topics: Understanding the Bible
Sources and accountability
For information about translations and editions, we consulted these sources on October 13, 2026:
An addition or correction? Let us know.