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    In Context

    Who was Mary Magdalene — In Biblical Context

    Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus from whom He cast out seven demons. She was present at His crucifixion and was the first person to see Him risen from the dead.

    Quick Answer

    Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus from whom He cast out seven demons. She was present at His crucifixion and was the first person to see Him risen from the dead.

    "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father." — John 20:16-17 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Mary Magdalene is one of the most significant women in the New Testament. Jesus delivered her from seven demons, and she became one of His most faithful followers. She was among the women who financially supported Jesus' ministry. Mary stood at the cross when most disciples had fled, and she was the first to discover the empty tomb on Easter morning. Jesus appeared to her first after His resurrection, commissioning her to tell the disciples — earning her the title 'Apostle to the Apostles' in church tradition. Despite popular culture conflating her with the sinful woman in Luke 7, the Bible makes no such connection.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, John 20:16-17, sits inside John 20. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father."
    — John 20:16-17 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Luke 8:2
    "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils."
    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."

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