Mary Magdalene: Her Life After Jesus, the Gospel of Mary, and How History Has Spoken About Her

Mary Magdalene: Her Life After Jesus, the Gospel of Mary, and How History Has Spoken About Her

Mary Magdalene is one of the most prominent women in the New Testament, yet also one of the most misrepresented. A careful reading of Scripture, combined with early Christian texts, shows a woman of faith, courage, and spiritual depth—far removed from the myths later attached to her name.

Mary Magdalene in the Bible

Mary Magdalene is first introduced as a woman delivered by Jesus from seven demons:

“Mary (called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had come out.”

— Luke 8:2 (NIV)

The Bible does not describe her as immoral. Deliverance from demons signifies healing and restoration, not sexual sin. After her healing, Mary became a committed follower of Jesus and supported His ministry:

“These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”

— Luke 8:3

Mary remained faithful at the crucifixion when many disciples fled:

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother… and Mary Magdalene.”

— John 19:25

She witnessed His burial:

“Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.”

— Mark 15:47

Most significantly, Mary Magdalene was the first witness of the resurrection:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out, ‘Rabboni!’”

— John 20:16

Jesus entrusted her with announcing the resurrection:

“Go instead to my brothers and tell them…”

— John 20:17

This makes Mary Magdalene the first messenger of the resurrection, a role of immense theological importance.

Her Life After Jesus: Biblical Silence and Tradition

The New Testament does not record Mary Magdalene’s later life. This silence does not diminish her importance; rather, it reflects the focus of the Gospel writers.

Early Christian tradition—particularly in Eastern Christianity—honors her as a faithful witness and teacher. The idea that she was a prostitute arose centuries later, notably from a sermon by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century, where multiple women in the Gospels were incorrectly merged into one figure. Scripture itself never supports this claim.

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene

The Gospel of Mary is a non-canonical text, likely written in the 2nd century AD. It was discovered in fragments (Berlin Codex, 1896). Because it was written long after the apostles and reflects Gnostic theology, it was not included in the Bible.

However, it is valuable for understanding early Christian debates.

Key Teachings in the Gospel of Mary

1. Mary as a Spiritual Teacher

In the text, Mary encourages the disciples after Jesus’ departure, sharing teachings she claims Jesus revealed privately. This portrays her as a trusted interpreter of Jesus’ message.

2. Conflict with Peter

Peter challenges Mary’s authority, questioning whether Jesus would speak privately to a woman. Levi responds by defending her:

“If the Savior made her worthy, who are you to reject her?”

— Gospel of Mary, fragment

This passage reflects early struggles over leadership, authority, and gender in the church.

3. Salvation Through Inner Transformation

The text teaches that sin comes from ignorance and inner disorder, not from the body itself. Salvation is achieved through spiritual understanding rather than strict law.

4. The Ascent of the Soul

Mary describes a vision in which the soul passes through powers representing fear, desire, and ignorance. This reflects Gnostic spirituality, contrasting with the New Testament’s emphasis on bodily resurrection:

“The dead will be raised imperishable.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:52

What People Say About Mary Magdalene

Biblical Christianity: A healed woman, devoted disciple, and resurrection witness.

Church history: Often mischaracterized due to tradition, not Scripture.

Modern interpretations: Sometimes overcorrect by turning her into a hidden wife or divine figure—claims unsupported by evidence.

My Opinion

Mary Magdalene does not need myth to make her powerful. Scripture already places her at the heart of the resurrection story. The Gospel of Mary does not rewrite Christian history, but it reveals how early voices—especially women’s—were contested and sometimes sidelined.

Her true legacy is biblical, not fictional: a restored woman who stood by Christ in suffering and was trusted to proclaim the greatest message of the Christian faith.

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

— Luke 11:28

Mary Magdalene heard, believed, and obeyed—and history is still catching up.