Women Disciples of Jesus
Quick Summary
Several women followed Jesus as disciples during his ministry, though they are often overshadowed by the Twelve. These women not only supported Jesus materially (Luke 8:1–3) but also remained present during his crucifixion (Mark 15:40–41) and were the first witnesses of the resurrection (Matthew 28:1–10). Prominent names include Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Salome, and Mary the mother of James. Their faith, presence, and testimony make them central figures in the Gospel narrative.
Introduction: Why This Topic Matters
In the ancient world, women were often excluded from religious instruction and public religious roles. Yet in the Gospels, we find women not only listening to Jesus but following him, financing his ministry, standing by him at the cross, and being entrusted with the message of the resurrection. This is not incidental. These women are part of the earliest Christian community and serve as a corrective to any notion that discipleship was a male-only domain. Their stories still speak today, especially in conversations about spiritual leadership and faithful witness.
Who Were the Women Disciples of Jesus?
The Gospels offer more than passing references to women in Jesus' ministry. Luke 8:1–3 explicitly states that Jesus traveled with the Twelve and "some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities":
"Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources." (Luke 8:2–3, NRSV)
These women weren’t passive observers. They gave financially, followed consistently, and risked everything to remain near Jesus when others fled.
Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is one of the most well-known women in the New Testament. She is:
Named in all four Gospels as a witness to the resurrection
Mentioned more than most of the Twelve
The first to encounter the risen Christ (John 20:11–18)
Despite later legends, the Bible never identifies her as a prostitute. Her significance comes not from her past but from her presence—at the cross, at the tomb, and as the first apostolic witness of the resurrection.
Joanna
Joanna was a woman of status, married to Chuza, a household manager for Herod Antipas. That she left Herod’s court to follow Jesus is remarkable, showing the diverse social reach of Jesus' ministry. Luke 24:10 includes her among the women who reported the empty tomb to the apostles.
Susanna
Susanna is only mentioned in Luke 8:3, but she is listed alongside Mary Magdalene and Joanna, suggesting she was a known and respected disciple. The Gospels do not elaborate further, but her inclusion signals active support and presence.
Salome
Salome appears in Mark 15:40 and Mark 16:1 as one of the women at the cross and later at the tomb. Some traditions identify her as the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee (Matthew 27:56), which may explain her place in Jesus' inner circle.
Mary the Mother of James
Also known as "the other Mary" in Matthew 28:1, she was a devoted follower who appears at the cross and the tomb (Mark 15:40, 16:1). Her son James is sometimes identified with James the Less, one of the Twelve.
Their Role in the Crucifixion and Resurrection
Unlike most of the male disciples, the women remained near Jesus in his final hours. According to the Gospels:
They stood at a distance, watching the crucifixion (Mark 15:40)
They followed Joseph of Arimathea and saw where Jesus was buried (Luke 23:55)
They prepared spices and returned early on Sunday morning (Luke 24:1)
The fact that women were the first to see the risen Christ and to proclaim it to the apostles is a theological statement: God entrusted the gospel's first announcement to those often dismissed by society.
Historical and Theological Significance
In the early Christian world, the testimony of women was often not legally admissible. That the Gospels place them as the first witnesses of the resurrection adds credibility, not detracts from it. Scholars like N.T. Wright argue that no one would fabricate such a detail if they were trying to invent a story to persuade others in the first century.
"If the gospel stories were fabricated, it is unlikely that women would be chosen as the first witnesses." —N.T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God, p. 607.
This radical inclusion reminds us that the Kingdom of God subverts human hierarchies. The women disciples bear witness to a gospel that lifts the lowly and calls all people to follow.
Women Disciples: Meaning for Today
The women disciples remind us that spiritual courage doesn’t come from social power. They show up when it counts—not with titles, but with presence. Their faith, love, and witness challenge us to pay attention to those often overlooked.
In churches, seminaries, and missions around the world, women continue to serve, lead, and proclaim. These first-century disciples stand as their forebears.
To speak of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and the others is not to invent something new but to remember something ancient.
FAQ: Women Disciples of Jesus
How many women followed Jesus?
While only a few are named, Luke 8:3 says "many others" supported him, suggesting a large number of women were involved in his ministry.
Why are women disciples not more prominent in church history?
Early Christian tradition began to focus on the Twelve and on male leadership structures, sometimes overshadowing women's contributions. Recent scholarship has helped reclaim these early stories.
Was Mary Magdalene an apostle?
Some traditions call her the "apostle to the apostles" because she was the first to witness and proclaim the resurrection. While not one of the Twelve, she held an essential apostolic role.
Did Jesus teach women?
Yes. Mary of Bethany sat at his feet (Luke 10:38–42), the traditional posture of a disciple learning from a rabbi.
Are there parallels in Acts or the Epistles?
Yes. Women like Lydia (Acts 16:14–15), Priscilla (Acts 18:26), and Phoebe (Romans 16:1) continue the tradition of female leadership and witness.
See Also
Works Consulted
Wright, N.T. The Resurrection of the Son of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003.
Witherington, Ben. Women in the Ministry of Jesus: A Study of Jesus' Attitudes to Women and Their Roles as Reflected in His Earthly Life. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984.
Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 1993.
