S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Mary Magdalene was a woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). The name Magdalene likely indicates that she came from Magdala, a city on the southwest coast of the Sea of Galilee. Aft...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Matthews Supporter Retired Professional Singer, Conductor and Seeker

In addition to the GotQuestions.org's (Mr. Houdmann) explanation of the biblical Mary Magdalene, there are coptic and gnostic references to Mary which elaborate her significance in the early church.

Mary was portrayed as "the Apostle to the Apostles." Besides Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene is mentioned more than any other woman in scripture. She wasn't a prostitute as some portray her, but she probably funded many of the apostles' trips and provided money for food, etc. 

In her post resurrection travels, she brought many people to Jesus Christ which possibly angered some of the other apostles. The concept of a woman being able to do anything significant in evangelizing people is still foreign to many people even to this day. I find it remarkable that there are so many references in these gnostic and coptic writings which include Mary Magdalene. She must have been a force to be reckoned with concerning her love and faith in Jesus Christ. 

Again, these gnostic and coptic reports portray her as a constant companion to Jesus but not in a sexual way. All of that nonsense came to pass centuries later. I really think that she was considered an Apostle before and certainly after Jesus' resurrection.

Modern portrayals of Mary Magdalene are mostly pure fiction and should be regarded as nothing but entertainment. Certainly not factual.

August 14 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

I am just finishing my second book on Mary Magdalene. It is good! Unveiling Mary Magdalene : discover the truth about a not-so-bad girl of the bible by Liz Curtis Higgs (well documented!). In it she cites a poem, precisely called "a couplet." 

"She, while other apostles shrank, could danger brave,
Last at his cross, and earliest at his grave." 

-- the Irish writer, Eaton Barrett

Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus Christ’s most devoted followers and a significant figure in the New Testament. The quote I referenced beautifully captures her courage and unwavering faith. "The Chosen TV Series" depicts Mary as wavering once, but the Bible does not exactly say this. 

Who Was Mary Magdalene?

Mary Magdalene is often identified as a woman from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Gospels portray her as a woman whom Jesus freed from “seven demons” (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9), which could refer to physical illness, spiritual oppression, or deep emotional turmoil. After her healing, she became a dedicated disciple, following Jesus and supporting His ministry.

Her Role in Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection

The quote I shared reflects two of her most defining moments:

“Last at His cross” – While most of the disciples fled in fear when Jesus was crucified, Mary Magdalene remained at the foot of the cross (Matthew 27:55-56, John 19:25). She witnessed His suffering and death, showing immense courage.

“Earliest at His grave” – After His burial, she was among the women who went to the tomb early Sunday morning to anoint His body. She was the first person to see the risen Christ and was given the incredible task of announcing His resurrection to the disciples (John 20:11-18).

4 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report