The New Testament contains 260 chapters spread across 27 books. These books are divided into four main sections: the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Pauline Letters, and the General Epistles & Revelation. The number of chapters varies from book to book, with some having only one chapter while others extend beyond 20 chapters.
Each section serves a distinct purpose. The Gospels document the life of Jesus Christ, while the Book of Acts records the early history of the church. Paul’s letters address Christian doctrine and church matters, and the General Epistles offer additional teachings. The Book of Revelation, written by John, presents prophetic visions of the end times.
Total Chapters In the Gospels and Acts
The first five books of the New Testament contain 117 chapters. These books provide a foundation for the Christian faith by detailing the life, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, followed by the history of the early church.
Each Gospel focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus from different perspectives. The Book of Acts follows as a historical record of how the apostles spread the message of Christianity.
Matthew: 28 Chapters
Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This book includes the Sermon on the Mount, the Parables of the Kingdom, and the Great Commission.
Mark: 16 Chapters
Mark is the shortest Gospel but moves at a fast pace. It highlights Jesus’ miracles, authority, and sacrifice on the cross. The resurrection account in Mark is central to Christian belief.
Luke: 24 Chapters
Luke gives a detailed and historical account, focusing on Jesus’ compassion and teachings. It provides the most complete version of Jesus’ birth and includes parables unique to this Gospel, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.
John: 21 Chapters
John emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God. It contains seven miraculous signs, deep theological insights, and the famous “I AM” statements. The book concludes with the resurrection appearances of Jesus.
Acts: 28 Chapters
The Acts of the Apostles records the growth of the early church. It details Pentecost, Paul’s missionary journeys, and the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem.
Total Chapters In the Letters of Paul
Paul’s Epistles contain 87 chapters across 13 books. These letters provide doctrinal teachings, church instructions, and encouragement for believers.
Romans: 16 Chapters
Romans presents a systematic explanation of Christian faith, including salvation, grace, and justification by faith. It remains one of the most studied books in Christian theology.
1 Corinthians: 16 Chapters
This letter addresses church divisions, spiritual gifts, and resurrection. It includes the well-known “Love Chapter” in 1 Corinthians 13.
2 Corinthians: 13 Chapters
Paul writes about his hardships, God’s comfort, and the ministry of reconciliation. He also defends his apostolic authority.
Galatians: 6 Chapters
Galatians emphasizes justification by faith, freedom from the law, and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul warns against false teachings that mix law with grace.
Ephesians: 6 Chapters
Paul writes about spiritual blessings, unity in Christ, and the armor of God. This letter highlights the church as the body of Christ.
Philippians: 4 Chapters
This letter focuses on joy in Christ and living a life of humility and service. Paul encourages believers to rejoice in all circumstances.
Colossians: 4 Chapters
Colossians teaches about Christ’s supremacy over all creation. It warns against false philosophies and encourages believers to set their minds on things above.
1 Thessalonians: 5 Chapters
Paul praises the Thessalonian church for their faith and gives instructions about Christ’s return.
2 Thessalonians: 3 Chapters
This letter continues the discussion on Jesus’ second coming and warns against idleness.
1 Timothy: 6 Chapters
Paul provides guidance for church leadership, sound doctrine, and godly living. This book is essential for pastors and church leaders.
2 Timothy: 4 Chapters
This is Paul’s final letter before his execution. He encourages Timothy to remain faithful and continue preaching the Gospel.
Titus: 3 Chapters
Titus includes instructions on church organization, good works, and Christian living.
Philemon: 1 Chapter
Paul appeals for the freedom of a runaway slave named Onesimus. This short letter demonstrates Christian love and forgiveness.
Total Chapters in the General Epistles
The General Epistles contain 34 chapters across 8 books. These letters were written by different apostles to encourage believers and confront false teachings.
Hebrews: 13 Chapters
Hebrews explains Jesus as the perfect High Priest and the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrifices. It urges believers to hold fast to their faith.
James: 5 Chapters
James emphasizes faith in action. It teaches that true faith produces good works and includes practical wisdom for daily Christian living.
1 Peter: 5 Chapters
Peter encourages believers to remain faithful during suffering and live holy lives.
2 Peter: 3 Chapters
This letter warns against false teachers and stresses the certainty of Christ’s return.
1 John: 5 Chapters
John writes about love, obedience, and assurance of salvation. He warns against false teachings about Christ.
2 John: 1 Chapter
This brief letter emphasizes walking in truth and love.
3 John: 1 Chapter
John praises a believer named Gaius for his hospitality and warns about prideful leaders.
Jude: 1 Chapter
Jude warns about ungodly people who distort the message of grace and urges believers to contend for the faith.
Total Chapters In John’s Other Writings
John’s writings include the Gospel of John, three letters, and the Book of Revelation. These books focus on love, truth, and the return of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of John: 21 Chapters
This book presents Jesus as the Word made flesh and highlights His divine nature.
1 John: 5 Chapters
This letter teaches about love, obedience, and truth in Christian living.
2 John: 1 Chapter
John warns against false teachers who deny Jesus’ identity.
3 John: 1 Chapter
John encourages believers to show hospitality and stand against arrogant leaders.
Revelation: 22 Chapters
Revelation describes visions of the end times, the return of Christ, and the final judgment. It emphasizes the victory of Jesus over evil.
Who Created the Bible’s Chapter Divisions?
The Bible’s chapter divisions were added in the 13th century by Stephen Langton, an English archbishop. These divisions help with reading, referencing, and studying Scripture, but they were not part of the original manuscripts.
Langton’s system remains in use today, making it easier to navigate through the Bible’s teachings and prophecies.
Did God Inspire Chapter Divisions?
The original texts of the Bible were written without chapter or verse divisions. The authors wrote in continuous text, guided by the Holy Spirit.
While the words of the Bible are inspired, the chapter divisions were created for convenience. These divisions help with organization, but they do not always align perfectly with thought patterns or themes in Scripture.