Mary Magdalene
First Witness of the Resurrection
1st century AD
From whom Jesus cast out seven demons; she followed him, stood at the cross, and first saw the risen Lord.
“I have seen the Lord!” — John 20:18Talk with Mary Magdalene
The story of Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus from the town of Magdala. The Gospels record that Jesus cast seven demons out of her, an act that transformed her life and led her to become a prominent supporter of His ministry. She was among a group of women who traveled with Jesus and the twelve, providing for them out of their own means.
Mary’s faithfulness was most evident during Jesus’s final hours. She remained at the foot of the cross when most of the male disciples had fled, and she stayed until He was buried, noting the location of the tomb. Her loyalty to Jesus did not end with His death, as she was the first to return to the tomb on the Sunday morning to anoint His body.
She became the first witness to the Resurrection and was the first person the risen Jesus appeared to. He commissioned her to go and tell the other disciples that He had risen, earning her the title 'Apostle to the Apostles' in early Christian tradition. Despite later legends that sometimes confused her with other women, she remains a primary example of devotion and witness.
Key passages
Luke 8:1–3
Mary Magdalene is introduced as one whom Jesus healed and who supported His ministry.
John 19:25
Mary stands near the cross during the crucifixion of Jesus.
Matthew 27:57–61
Mary watches where Jesus is buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
John 20:11–18
The risen Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and sends her to tell the disciples.
Key books
- Luke
- Mark
- John
- Matthew
Questions you can ask
- “How did Jesus heal you?”
- “What was the resurrection morning like?”
- “Why did he say your name?”
Common questions
Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?
The Bible never says she was a prostitute. This idea became popular in the Middle Ages through the confusion of her identity with other unnamed women in the Gospels.
What does 'Magdalene' mean?
It likely refers to her hometown, Magdala, a fishing village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Why is she called the 'Apostle to the Apostles'?
This title was given to her by early Church fathers because she was the first person sent by Jesus to announce His resurrection to the twelve apostles.