Mary Magdalene

Biography

Mary Magdalene, from the fishing town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, was delivered by Jesus from seven demons. This dramatic deliverance made her one of His most devoted followers. She is named in all four Gospels as present at the crucifixion when most disciples had fled. She watched where Jesus was buried and was first to the tomb on resurrection morning. It was to Mary Magdalene that the risen Christ first appeared, commissioning her to tell the disciples—earning her the title "apostle to the apostles." Scripture contradicts later traditions that conflate her with the sinful woman who anointed Jesus or with Mary of Bethany. What we know is that she was healed, devoted, present at the cross, and the first witness of the resurrection—a remarkable honor in a culture that did not accept women's testimony.