Between the wars, a luxuriously-printed volume was produced entitled The Bible designed to be read as Literature. Inside was the text of the Authorized (or King James) Version, or most of it at least, with the innovation of the text being laid out in paragraphs, with the verse numbers missed out.
It was a bad publication, because it gave the idea that the uniqueness of the Bible lay mainly in the literary skill of the six groups of scholars, about 50 in all, who polished the translation prior to its publication in 1611. But it was also good because it encouraged people to read their Bibles more, and in longer sections.
Are you a one-verse reader, a ten-verse reader, or a chapter reader? Each approach has its place. The Bible is full of striking and wonderful verses, and quoting them has been a source of strength, wisdom, advice and consolation throughout the ages.
Sometimes, though, a single verse is enigmatic or even misleading (like "Let us sin the more, that grace may abound"!). The meaning is made clearer by the context. Then the paragraph comes into its own, and it is good that most modern translations now print the text in paragraphs. Numbered verses, which were an invention of the Middle Ages, are useful for reference, but can be distracting.
The length of the readings in church seems often an ideal of reading at one go. But in some cases, there is a lot to be said for reading longer sections: even a whole book at a time (You did it with Jaws, you can do it with Acts!). Each book has its own pace. Some, like Daniel or Jeremiah, are collections of prophecies, which it makes sense to read separately. Others, like Genesis, are also collections, but with a continuous theme - this is the case, too, with the Gospels. Try reading a couple of chapters at a time, to see if you can trace the theme.
Then there are books which should sometimes be read right through. The Epistles are an example - when you get a letter, you donft stop reading it after the first paragraph. Nor do you stop reading the instructions for that new piece of equipment half-way through.
Well, you may say, that is all very well, but I never have time. Well, the holidays are coming - time to relax with a good book. Try it, and see!
HD