Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene was a woman from the Galilean town of Magdala who became one of Jesus' most dedicated followers after he cast seven demons out of her, later supporting his ministry with her own resources. She remained present through the crucifixion, observed his burial, and returned to the tomb on the third day, where she was the first to encounter the risen Christ and receive the command to announce his resurrection to the disciples. This account in the Gospels establishes her as the primary witness to the empty tomb and the living Jesus, underscoring the central Christian claim of bodily resurrection while highlighting the significant role of women in the earliest testimonies of the faith.
Biography
- Occupation
- Disciple
- Era
- New Testament (c. AD 30)
- Nationality
- Jewish, Galilean
Did You Know?
Mary Magdalene is explicitly named in Luke 8:2-3 as one of the women who funded Jesus' ministry from their personal resources, a detail underscoring female patronage in a patriarchal first-century Jewish context.
The Gospels record that seven demons were expelled from her by Jesus, a specific affliction mentioned only for her among his named followers and hinting at a dramatic prior transformation.
She remained at the cross after most male disciples had fled, listed by name in Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40, and John 19:25 as a primary eyewitness to the crucifixion.
In John 20:11-18 she alone receives the first post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, who commissions her to proclaim his ascension to the male apostles, effectively making her the initial resurrection witness.
Unlike the other women at the tomb, only Mary Magdalene is portrayed in John's account as lingering long enough to encounter both angels and the risen Christ in the garden setting.
Key Passages
Healed by Jesus
Luke 8:1-3
Jesus delivers Mary from seven demons, transforming her from a tormented woman into one of His most devoted followers - demonstrating the completeness of His liberating power.
1nd it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
At the Cross
John 19:25-27
While most disciples flee, Mary Magdalene remains at the cross - her presence a testimony to the fierce loyalty that flows from deep gratitude for deliverance.
25ow there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his motherโs sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
First Witness of the Resurrection
John 20:11-18
Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection - entrusting the most important announcement in history to a woman in a culture that dismissed female testimony.
11ut Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,