Mary Magdalene
Israelite / Jew Jewish, of Magdala in Galilee · Life of Christ · New Testament
- Also called
- Mary
- Name means
- Magdalene: 'of Magdala'
- Role
- Devoted follower of Jesus; first witness of the risen Lord
- When
- c. AD 28-30
What they did
Jesus cast seven devils out of her; she ministered to him from her substance, stood near the cross, came early to the tomb, and was the first to see the risen Jesus, who sent her to tell the disciples.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
Her transformed life shows Christ's power to set free, and she was honoured as the first messenger of the resurrection.
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. John 20:18 (KJV)
Bible references
And 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, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. Luke 8:1-3 (KJV)
There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; Mark 15:40 (KJV)
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Mark 16:9 (KJV)
The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. John 20:1 (KJV)
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. John 20:16-18 (KJV)
Family
Scripture records little about this person's family.
A fuller character study, with strengths, failures, lessons and a relationship diagram:
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