How many chapters are in the Gospel of John?

The Gospel of John contains twenty-one chapters.

John is the fourth canonical Gospel in the New Testament and is traditionally divided into 21 chapters. Its opening begins with the theological prologue, “In the beginning was the Word,” and its final chapter describes a post-resurrection appearance beside the Sea of Galilee. The chapter divisions are modern editorial conventions rather than divisions supplied by the original author.

John differs in structure and emphasis from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which are commonly called the Synoptic Gospels. It includes distinctive material such as the raising of Lazarus, the washing of the disciples’ feet, and several extended discourses beginning with “I am” sayings. It also presents Jesus’ ministry through a different chronological and theological arrangement.

A frequent confusion concerns the Gospel’s final chapter. John 20 contains a concluding statement about the signs recorded in the book, but chapter 21 follows as an epilogue describing another appearance of the risen Jesus. Thus the standard canonical text has 21 chapters, not 20.