Mary Magdalene
femaleNew TestamentMeaning: “Mary "of Magdala"”
A devoted follower of Jesus, delivered from seven demons, who stood by the cross and became the first witness of the resurrection.
Biography
Mary Magdalene — Mary "of Magdala" — was one of Jesus' most devoted followers and, by the testimony of all four Gospels, the first witness of His resurrection. Her loyalty took her from gratitude for deliverance all the way to the empty tomb.
Delivered and devoted
Jesus cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2), and she became one of the women who followed Him and supported His ministry "of their substance." Her devotion never wavered.
At the cross and tomb
While most of the disciples fled, Mary Magdalene stood by the cross and watched where Jesus was buried (Matthew 27:56, 61). She came early on the first day of the week to the tomb and found it empty.
First witness of the risen Christ
Weeping in the garden, she met the risen Jesus, who called her by name — "Mary" — and sent her to announce His resurrection to the disciples (John 20:16–18). For carrying the first news of the risen Lord, the early church called her "apostle to the apostles."
Life Timeline
Delivered by Jesus from seven demons; follows Him
Stands by the cross and watches the burial
First to see the risen Jesus and announce it
Themes & lessons from Mary Magdalene
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Mary Magdalene appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
12 verses in 4 booksMatthew3 verses
Matthew 27:56
Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
Matthew 27:61
And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
Matthew 28:1
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
Mark4 verses
Mark 15:40
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 15:47
And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
Mark 16:1
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Mark 16:9
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.
Luke2 verses
Luke 8:2
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Luke 24:10
It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
John3 verses
John 19:25
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. Cleophas: or, Clopas
John 20:1
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 20:18
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
Frequently asked about Mary Magdalene
Who was Mary Magdalene in the Bible?
A devoted follower of Jesus, delivered from seven demons, who stood by the cross and became the first witness of the resurrection.
What does the name Mary Magdalene mean?
The name Mary Magdalene means “Mary "of Magdala"”.
Where does Mary Magdalene appear in the Bible?
Mary Magdalene is mentioned 12 times across 4 books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
What can we learn from Mary Magdalene?
The story of Mary Magdalene touches on themes of women, sabbath, salome, resurrection of christ, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Mary Magdalene's life.
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