Mary Magdalene

Lore & Background

Mary Magdalene's epithet probably means she came from Magdala, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee. The Gospel of Luke states that Jesus exorcised 'seven demons' from her, which may indicate severe emotional or psychological trauma. She is listed among women who supported Jesus' ministry financially, suggesting she was relatively wealthy. In lists of female followers, she always appears first, indicating she was seen as the most important among them.

All four canonical gospels agree that Mary Magdalene was present at Jesus's crucifixion, watching from a distance. She is named as a witness in Mark, Matthew, and John. She also witnessed the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea, according to Mark, Matthew, and Luke. Her presence at these events is considered historically probable by many scholars because early Christians would have been unlikely to invent women as primary witnesses.

The earliest description of Jesus's post-resurrection appearances is a pre-Pauline creed preserved by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, though the article does not specify Mary Magdalene's role in that creed. The Gospel of Mark's longer ending mentions her in connection with the resurrection.

Reader's Guide

Mary Magdalene's significance stems from her role as a key follower of Jesus and a witness to his crucifixion and resurrection. She is accepted as a historical figure by both secular and religious scholars. During the Patristic era, her image evolved from a minor gospel figure to being conflated with other biblical women. In Western Christianity, largely due to Pope Gregory I's 591 sermon, she became viewed as a repentant prostitute, despite no biblical basis for this portrayal. Gnostic writings portray her as a prominent, spiritually insightful figure favored by Jesus. The Eastern Orthodox Church has always viewed her as a virtuous Myrrhbearer and 'Equal to the Apostles,' distinct from other biblical women. The Catholic Church historically conflated her with the repentant sinner in Luke 7 but later emphasized her role as the first witness to the resurrection, honoring her as the 'Apostle to the Apostles.' Many alleged relics of Mary Magdalene are preserved in Catholic sites in France and Mount Athos.

Did You Know?

• Mary Magdalene's epithet probably means she came from Magdala, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee.
• The Gospel of Luke states that Jesus exorcised 'seven demons' from Mary Magdalene.
• She is listed first among the women who supported Jesus' ministry financially, indicating her prominence.
• Many alleged relics of Mary Magdalene, including her skull and left hand, are preserved in Catholic sites in France and Mount Athos.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"This Mary is sometimes referred to as 'Mary of Bethany'. It is disputed whether this is the same 'Mary' as Mary Magdalene. The woman is simply referred to as 'Mary' in the text." — Mary Magdalene "This Mary is sometimes referred to as 'Mary of Bethany'. It is disputed whether this is the same 'Mary' as Mary Magdalene. The woman is simply referred to as 'Mary' in the text." — Mary Magdalene "Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." — Mary Magdalene "Mary Magdalene is a model for many Christian feminists." — Mary Magdalene