Topical Bible: Demons: Mary Magdalene

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Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for her close association with Jesus Christ and her deliverance from demonic possession. Her account is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' ministry and the liberation from spiritual bondage.

Biblical Account

Mary Magdalene is first introduced in the Gospel of Luke, where she is described as a woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons. Luke 8:2 states, "And also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out." This passage highlights the severity of her affliction and the profound change she experienced through Jesus' intervention.

The number seven in biblical terms often signifies completeness or totality, suggesting that Mary was fully under the influence of these demonic forces before her encounter with Christ. Her deliverance is a powerful example of Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm and His compassion for those oppressed by evil.

Role in Jesus' Ministry

After her deliverance, Mary Magdalene became a devoted follower of Jesus. She is frequently mentioned in the Gospels as part of a group of women who supported Jesus and His disciples. Luke 8:3 notes that these women "were helping to support them out of their own means." This indicates that Mary, along with others, played a crucial role in sustaining Jesus' ministry through her resources and service.

Mary's dedication is further evidenced by her presence at significant events in Jesus' life. She is one of the few who remained with Him during His crucifixion, as recorded in John 19:25 : "Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene." Her loyalty and courage are evident as she stood by Jesus in His final moments.

Witness to the Resurrection

Mary Magdalene's most notable role comes after the crucifixion, as she is the first to witness the resurrected Christ. According to John 20:1-18 , Mary visits the tomb early on the first day of the week and finds it empty. In her grief, she encounters Jesus, though she initially does not recognize Him. Jesus reveals Himself to her, and she becomes the first to proclaim the news of His resurrection to the disciples, earning her the title "Apostle to the Apostles."

This encounter underscores the significant role women played in the early Christian community and highlights the honor Jesus bestowed upon Mary by choosing her as the first witness of His victory over death.

Theological Implications

Mary Magdalene's account is rich with theological implications. Her deliverance from demons illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the power of Jesus to liberate individuals from demonic oppression. Her transformation from a demon-possessed woman to a devoted disciple exemplifies the redemptive work of Christ in restoring individuals to wholeness and purpose.

Furthermore, her role as the first witness to the resurrection challenges cultural norms of the time, where women's testimonies were often undervalued. Jesus' appearance to Mary first affirms the dignity and value He places on all individuals, regardless of gender or past afflictions.

In summary, Mary Magdalene's life is a profound narrative of deliverance, discipleship, and divine revelation. Her account continues to inspire believers with the hope of redemption and the assurance of Christ's authority over all spiritual forces.

Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 8:2,3
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection ...
... from the tomb, ^b 9 Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he
appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxv first and second appearances.htm

And While they Marvelled at That, Behold, Two Men Standing Above ...
... [25] [3733] And on the First-day on which he rose, he appeared first unto
Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section liii and while they.htm

'First to Mary'
... wrote this chapter) gives with such emphasis, 'He appeared first to Mary Magdalene.'. ...
He speaks to the demons, and of them, rebukes them, holds conversations ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/first to mary.htm

Further Journeying About Galilee.
... is peculiar to Luke], 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and
infirmities: Mary that was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvii further journeying about galilee.htm

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... there are two good reasons for saying that this was not Mary Magdalene: 1. She is ...
Matthew 27:55.2. Jesus had delivered her from the possession of seven demons. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... send them forth to preach, 15 and to have authority to cast out demons: ^c whom ... Mary
Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and John, and mother of the sons of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

Jesus' Friendships after He Arose.
... to whom he showed himself after he arose was Mary Magdalene. ... All that is said of
Mary's former condition is that she was possessed of seven demons, and that ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xiv jesus friendships after.htm

The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of ...
... Mary, called Magdalene,' had received from Him special benefit of ... may have been,
in which the Magdalene came to ... that Jesus cast out the demons through the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii the ministry of.htm

Matthew.
... the publican occupies as to time the first place in the order of the Evangelists,
as Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ expelled many demons, first proclaimed ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 80 matthew.htm

The Casting Out of Devils.
... just as our Lord in an after-instance associates power over demons with spiritual ...
in this squabbling nursery of the race, the name of Mary Magdalene may be ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/vii the casting out of.htm