What did Mary Magdalene do in the Bible?
BREAKDOWN
Mary Magdalene is one of the most prominent women in the Gospels, recognized primarily for her devoted following of Jesus Christ and her pivotal role in witnessing His resurrection. Scripture identifies her as a woman from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons, as recorded in Luke 8:2: "and certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out." This deliverance marks a profound transformation in her life, leading to her steadfast loyalty and service. Along with other women, she ministered to Jesus and His disciples out of her own means (Luke 8:3), signifying her financial and practical support for His itinerant ministry. Her faithfulness is particularly evident during the most critical moments of Jesus' earthly life. Mary Magdalene was present at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion, enduring the agony alongside Mary, Jesus' mother, and other women, as attested in John 19:25 and Matthew 27:56. After His death, she observed where Jesus was laid (Matthew 27:61, Mark 15:47) and was among the first women to visit the tomb early on the first day of the week, intending to anoint His body. It was there that she encountered the risen Christ, becoming the first recorded individual to see Him after His resurrection (John 20:11-18, Mark 16:9). Jesus specifically commissioned her to go and tell His disciples the news, earning her the historical title of 'apostle to the apostles' (John 20:17-18), as she was the messenger of the most crucial event in Christian theology. Her testimony, though initially met with disbelief by some disciples, became the foundational witness to the resurrected Lord.
KEY TERMS
Mary Magdalene
A prominent female follower of Jesus, from whom seven demons were cast out, and who was the first witness to His resurrection.
seven demons
A severe spiritual affliction from which Jesus delivered Mary Magdalene, indicating a complete or intense state of demonic possession.
crucifixion
The method of execution by which Jesus died, witnessed by Mary Magdalene and other women.
resurrection
The bodily rising of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day, first witnessed by Mary Magdalene.
apostle to the apostles
A title given to Mary Magdalene for her unique role in being commissioned by Jesus to announce His resurrection to the male disciples.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Luke 8:2
and certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out;
Luke 8:3
and Joanna the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others, who served them out of their property.
John 19:25
But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
Matthew 27:56
among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Matthew 27:61
Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.
Mark 15:47
Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid.
Mark 16:9
Now when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
John 20:11
But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;
John 20:12
and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
John 20:13
They told her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.”
John 20:14
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn’t know that it was Jesus.
John 20:15
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
John 20:16
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned herself and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” which means, “Teacher!”
John 20:17
Jesus said to her, “Don’t touch me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
John 20:18
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
Μαγδαληνή
Magdalene
DefinitionOf Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee
ἑπτὰ δαιμόνια
seven demons
Definitionseven evil spirits
ἀπόστολος
apostle
Definitionone sent, a messenger
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The historical context of Mary Magdalene's life places her in first-century Galilee and Judea under Roman occupation. Women in this society, particularly unmarried or widowed women, had limited public roles and legal rights. However, Jesus' ministry often broke these cultural norms, elevating the status of women and including them among His close followers. Archaeological findings in Magdala, identified as her probable hometown, reveal a thriving Jewish fishing village with a synagogue dating to the first century, suggesting a community with both economic activity and religious observance. The presence of wealthy women like Joanna (Luke 8:3) and the ability of women like Mary Magdalene to minister financially points to a varied economic landscape within Jewish society. The political climate was tense, marked by Roman rule and various Jewish factions vying for influence. The expectation of a Messiah was prevalent, shaping the social and religious consciousness of the time. The events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection occurred in Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Judea, within the context of Passover, a major Jewish festival.
THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Mary Magdalene's narrative powerfully illustrates the transformative power of divine grace and the profound value Jesus placed on women in His ministry. Her deliverance from seven demons highlights Christ's authority over spiritual bondage and evil, showcasing His compassion for those afflicted. Her steadfast presence at the crucifixion and burial, when many male disciples had fled, underscores her unwavering devotion and courage. Most significantly, her role as the first witness to the resurrection and the first messenger of this good news elevates her to a unique position. This event, the resurrection, is the cornerstone of Christian faith, and Mary's testimony provides the initial human confirmation, challenging cultural norms that often discounted women's witness. Her story teaches that faithfulness, even in the darkest hours, is rewarded with profound revelation and divine commission, demonstrating that God uses all, regardless of past circumstances or societal standing, to fulfill His redemptive purposes.
COMMENTARY SYNTHESIS
Matthew Henry (Christian)
Mary Magdalene, out of whom Christ had cast seven devils, was the first that saw him after his resurrection. This was an instance of the riches of Christ's grace, and a proof how much he looks at the heart. She loved much, and therefore had this peculiar favor shown her.
John Calvin (Christian)
It was not without a good reason that Christ chose Mary Magdalene in preference to others to be a witness of his resurrection. He did this in order to confound the pride of the world, for though she was a woman, she was honored with the office of an apostle.
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides) (Jewish)
While Maimonides did not directly comment on New Testament figures, his teachings on repentance (Teshuvah) are relevant. The profound transformation of Mary Magdalene from one afflicted by 'seven demons' to a devoted follower aligns with the concept of complete repentance and return to God, where past sins or afflictions are overcome through sincere devotion and divine intervention. Her subsequent service exemplifies the 'teshuvah mi'ahavah' (repentance out of love) which turns transgressions into merits.
Augustine of Hippo (Christian)
Mary Magdalene is indeed called 'apostle to the apostles' because she, who had seen the Lord after He was risen, carried to the disciples the good tidings which He had committed to her. This honor was given to a woman, that the weakness of her sex might be adorned by the strength of faith.