Luke 8:2-3
and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "seven devils" likely doesn't point to a literal count, but rather signifies an extreme and overwhelming torment by evil spirits, emphasizing the depth of Mary Magdalene's suffering and the magnitude of Jesus' healing power. This detail is crucial not for sensationalism, but to underscore how thoroughly Christ liberated those who followed Him, including women of status.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling, and this verse introduces a group of women who have been profoundly impacted by his healing ministry. These women, including Mary Magdalene who had been delivered from severe demonic possession, are now following Jesus and supporting him financially, a detail that explains how the traveling ministry sustained itself.
When you hear 'Mary Magdalene,' what comes to mind? Scripture paints a different, more powerful picture than popular legend.
The Bible introduces Mary Magdalene not as a sinner, but as someone powerfully delivered by Jesus. Luke tells us she was healed of 'evil spirits and infirmities.' The phrase 'seven devils' isn't meant to be literal in a spooky sense, but rather signifies a severe and overwhelming affliction. Imagine being tormented, your mind clouded, your body weakened by forces you couldn't control. Jesus' healing touch set her completely free from this intense suffering.
It's crucial to understand that the idea of Mary Magdalene being a prostitute is a tradition that has grown over centuries, but it's not found in the Gospel accounts. In fact, commentators suggest it would have been unwise for Christ to associate with someone of ill repute if she hadn't truly transformed. Her story is one of profound healing and liberation, not of past sin.
This transformation wasn't just a one-time event; it led to a life of devoted discipleship. She became one of Jesus' most loyal followers.
Healing often leads to helping. What does Mary and other women's support of Jesus tell us about discipleship?
The women mentioned alongside Mary Magdalene, like Joanna and Susanna, were also healed and became devoted followers. This wasn't just a passive following; they actively 'ministered to Him of their substance.' This means they used their own resources – likely financial means and possessions – to support Jesus and His disciples during their ministry.
Think about what this reveals. Jesus, though divine, lived a life of practical reliance. He didn't use His power for personal gain. These women, empowered and freed by Him, chose to invest in His mission. Their generosity demonstrates a deep gratitude and commitment, showing that discipleship involves practical support and sacrifice.
Their involvement also highlights a beautiful aspect of the early church: women played a vital, supportive role, contributing their gifts and resources to further the Gospel's reach. Their quiet, behind-the-scenes support was essential to the mission's continuation.
Understand the original words
pneuma · Greek Noun
Supernatural beings opposed to God who exercise authority over people through possession, causing physical, mental, or spiritual suffering. They are subject to the authority of Jesus Christ, who casts them out.
The mention of Mary Magdalene and other women ministering to Jesus highlights a crucial, often overlooked aspect of his ministry: the financial and practical support he received from devoted followers, particularly women who had been healed and were financially independent.
c. 5 BC - 1 AD
Jesus' Birth and Early Life
Jesus is born in Bethlehem and grows up in Nazareth. His early life, while largely unrecorded, sets the stage for his public ministry.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
John the Baptist prepares the way, and Jesus is baptized. He begins teaching, performing miracles, and calling disciples, including the Twelve.
c. AD 28-29— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues and villages, healing the sick, and casting out demons. This period sees a growing following.
c. AD 29
Growing Opposition and Warnings
Religious leaders become increasingly hostile as Jesus' popularity and claims grow. Jesus begins to warn his disciples about his impending suffering.
This passage describes how David, after his victory over Goliath, was pursued and attacked by the Philistines, illustrating a pattern of opposition and struggle that can follow a significant breakthrough.
Mark 5:1-20This narrative of the Gerasene demoniac being freed from a legion of demons parallels Mary Magdalene's experience, highlighting the severity of such afflictions and the power of Jesus' deliverance.
Matthew 12:43-45Jesus' parable about an evil spirit returning with seven others to a cleansed person serves as a theological backdrop, suggesting the possibility of a relapse or intensified spiritual warfare after deliverance, which makes Mary's faithful following even more significant.
John 19:25This verse places Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross, demonstrating her unwavering loyalty and deep devotion to Jesus, even in His most suffering moments, a testament to the transformative power of His healing.
1 Corinthians 6:11Paul's letter reminds the Corinthian believers that they have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, paralleling the profound spiritual and physical cleansing experienced by women like Mary Magdalene.
clarkeLuke 8:2: "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,"
Out of whom went seven devils - Who had been possessed in a most extraordinary manner; probably a case of inveterate lunacy, brought on by the influence of evil spirits. The number seven may here express the superlative degree. Mary Magdalene is commonly thought to have been a prostitute before she came to the knowledge of Christ, and then to have been a re…
gillLuke 8:2: "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,"
And certain women which had been healed of evil spirits,.... Of devils, who had possessed them, and were healed by Christ, dispossessing them; See Gill on Luke 7:21 . and infirmities: various diseases of body: some were dispossessed of devils, and others freed from bodily disorders; of the first sort was Mary Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils: by the…
The phrase "seven devils" likely doesn't point to a literal count, but rather signifies an extreme and overwhelming torment by evil spirits, emphasizing the depth of Mary Magdalene's suffering and the magnitude of Jesus' healing power. This detail is crucial not for sensationalism, but to underscore how thoroughly Christ liberated those who followed Him, including women of status.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling, and this verse introduces a group of women who have been profoundly impacted by his healing ministry. These women, including Mary Magdalene who had been delivered from severe demonic possession, are now following Jesus and supporting him financially, a detail that explains how the traveling ministry sustained itself.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling, and this verse introduces a group of women who have been profoundly impacted by his healing ministry. These women, including Mary Magdalene who had been delivered from severe demonic possession, are now following Jesus and supporting him financially, a detail that explains how the traveling ministry sustained itself.
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c. AD 30
Journey to Jerusalem and Crucifixion
Jesus makes his final journey to Jerusalem, where he is betrayed, crucified, and buried.
c. AD 30
Resurrection and Appearances
Jesus is resurrected on the third day and appears to his disciples and others over a period of forty days.
"and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for…" — The phrase "seven devils" likely doesn't point to a literal count, but rather signifies an extreme and overwhelming torment by evil spirits, emphasizing the depth of Mary Magdalene's suffering and th…
