There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse subtly highlights the quiet strength and unwavering devotion of these women. While the disciples scattered in fear, they "had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him"—a past action that emphasizes their ongoing commitment and support, even from a distance at the cross.
There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a group of women, who had followed him from Galilee and supported him during his ministry, stand at a distance. Unlike many of his male followers who had fled or denied him, these women bravely bore witness to his suffering, demonstrating remarkable loyalty and love even in this darkest hour. Their presence highlights a stark contrast to the disciples' earlier boasts of devotion and underscores their faithful commitment through Jesus' humiliation and death.
While the men who walked closest with Jesus scattered in fear, a group of women stood firm. What does their presence reveal about true discipleship?
It's easy to see the disciples' abandonment as a betrayal, but Matthew highlights the women who did stay. These women, coming all the way from Galilee, showed remarkable courage and devotion.
These women had served Jesus with their resources in Galilee. How did their past service shape their presence at the cross, and what does it teach us about devotion?
The phrase 'ministering to him' speaks volumes about the ongoing commitment of these women. It wasn't just a past action but a defining characteristic that carried them to the foot of the cross.
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Understand the original words
diakoneō · Greek Verb
To serve or care for someone's physical or material needs; in a spiritual context, it involves devoted support and service to the Lord and His mission.
The presence of these women at the cross, having followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered to Him, highlights their remarkable loyalty and courage in contrast to the fearful disciples, showcasing a devotion that endured even in Jesus' darkest hour.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus conducted much of His public ministry in Galilee, attracting numerous followers, including women who became devoted disciples. These women provided support and care for Jesus and His apostles during their travels.
c. AD 30
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus made a public entry into Jerusalem, hailed by crowds. Many of His followers, including the women mentioned, accompanied Him, demonstrating their support as He approached the city for the Passover.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified at Golgotha outside Jerusalem. This event was witnessed by a group of women who had followed Him from Galilee.
c. AD 30
Burial of Jesus
Following the crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, obtained Jesus' body from Pilate and, with Nicodemus's help, buried it in a new tomb. Some of the same women were present at the burial.
This passage describes the women who followed Jesus and ministered to him, directly connecting to Matthew 27:55's description of women who 'followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him.'
John 19:25This verse names some of the women present at the cross, providing specific identities for the group mentioned generally in Matthew 27:55 and highlighting their steadfastness.
Philippians 2:5-8This passage speaks of Christ's humility and suffering, which these women witnessed with compassion, demonstrating a contrast between Christ's selfless love and the disciples' fear.
1 Peter 4:12-13This passage encourages believers to rejoice in suffering for Christ, a principle these women embodied by remaining near the cross despite the danger and sorrow.
clarkeMatthew 27:55: "And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:"
Many women - To their everlasting honor, these women evidenced more courage, and affectionate attachment to their Lord and Master, than the disciples did, who had promised to die with him rather than forsake him. Beholding afar off - At a distance - απο μακροθεν. Though this expression may be understood to refer, rather to the distance from which they came, (viz. from Galilee)…
gillMatthew 27:55: "And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:"
And many women were there,.... At the cross of Christ, at some little distance from it; but where was Peter, who had declared he would never be offended, though all men were; and would die with Christ, rather than deny him? and where were the rest of the disciples, who said the same things? None were present excepting John, as can be learnt from the evangelists; but many women…
This verse subtly highlights the quiet strength and unwavering devotion of these women. While the disciples scattered in fear, they "had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him"—a past action that emphasizes their ongoing commitment and support, even from a distance at the cross.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a group of women, who had followed him from Galilee and supported him during his ministry, stand at a distance. Unlike many of his male followers who had fled or denied him, these women bravely bore witness to his suffering, demonstrating remarkable loyalty and love even in this darkest hour. Their presence highlights a stark contrast to the disciples' earlier boasts of devotion and underscores their faithful commitment through Jesus' humiliation and death.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a group of women, who had followed him from Galilee and supported him during his ministry, stand at a distance. Unlike many of his male followers who had fled or denied him, these women bravely bore witness to his suffering, demonstrating remarkable loyalty and love even in this darkest hour. Their presence highlights a stark contrast to the disciples' earlier boasts of devotion and underscores their faithful commitment through Jesus' humiliation and death.
"There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him," — This verse subtly highlights the quiet strength and unwavering devotion of these women. While the disciples scattered in fear, they "had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him"—a past action…
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Last reviewed October 2026