Should Mary Magdalene be classed as a disciple and even an apostle of Jesus?

Question

Mary Magdalene was an original follower of Jesus, along with some other women who also supported Jesus and the 12 disciples financially, so they played a crucial role in his ministry. As such, I believe she should be called a disciple, as this means a follower of Jesus, which she was.
She was also the first person that Jesus appeared to and she eventually recognises him. She was given a 'mission' by Jesus, to go and tell the other disciples the news - I think this makes her one of the first apostles. (Apostle means a chosen messenger or ambassador of Jesus).
Refs: John 20:1-2, and John 20:10-18 (NIV).

I disagree with you Andy Gee - Jesus certainly considered her special as she was the first person he appeared to - that is significant - it is just that the writers of the gospel did not emphasize this.

No, Julia - she was not Jesus' wife - where did you get that idea from?

Answer 1

I think Mary Magdalene may have been even closer than an apostle. She could have been his significant other. I also feel that the teachings of Jesus, forgiveness, love, help the fellow man, charity, etc, are concepts that are more easily accepted by women in society than man. If we assume that Jesus was God's ambassador on earth, why did God choose a male over a female, since the message was much less warrior like in behavior. My only guess is that in God's wisdom, he knew that if he had sent a woman, no one would have listened to her in a male dominant culture. I believe Mary Madelene provide both emotional, spiritual, and other support for Jesus. The importance of her relationship was left out because she was a woman. The Bible may have been inspired by God, but since man was in charge of passing on the stories, I find it difficult to believe that some errors were unintentionally made.

Answer 2

Mary Magdalene was likely Jesus' aunt, and the wife of Joseph of Arimathea, his uncle.

She was certainly a disciple, but certainly not an apostle.

The name Apostle denotes principally one of the twelve disciples who, on a solemn occasion, were called by Christ to a special mission. In the Gospels, however, those disciples are often designated by the expressions of mathetai (the disciples) or dodeka (the Twelve) and, after the treason and death of Judas, even of hendeka (the Eleven). In the Synoptics the name Apostle occurs but seldom with this meaning; only once in Matthew and Mark. But in other books of the New Testament, chiefly in the Epistles of St. Paul and in the Acts, this use of the word is current. Saul of Tarsus, being miraculously converted, and called to preach the Gospel to the heathens, claimed with much insistency this title and its rights.

Answer 3

Do you think it is acceptable for men to dress in female clothing. Because in the culture where Mary Magdalene live, sex change would be necessary for her to be an apostle.

Did Jesus asked her to go out in pairs? No. What status did Mary Magdalene have? If she was a Roman civilian you would be allow to have property and vote. If she was not a Roman civilian, she would be the property of her husband if married and her father other wise.

She was sent, much like servant, to tell a group of men something. A group that she could not even sit at the table with.

As much as would like to say Mary Magdalene was this or that, the truth is her loyalty is unsurpassed.

Answer 4

The disciples were hand picked to be the foundation for which Jesus would build His church, Mary wasn't one of them. She was a true convert though and served Jesus faithfully, her role doesn't lessen anything that she may have done, it was just a different one. This is another example of the principle of the body of Christ, each serve specific purposes, all of equal importance but with different roles, and they all go to the same heaven as the next.

Answer 5

The Bible does not tell us of her virtues, other than she believed in Jesus, and she loved Him - not as a lover, as some would have you believe, but as her Saviour, just as I believe in Him and love Him, and as I hope you believe in Him and love Him. Yes, she really was a penitent sinner, just as all His apostles also were, and there is reason to believe Mary may have been a prostitute, but I don't know if the ex-prostitute thing is a definite, or Just a supposition. I hope this helps you. Go in peace. And always remember: -- Jesus loves you!! Sincerely, Grandpa Floyd

Answer 6

There's more to Mary Magdalene than stated in the bible, a lot more I suggest you study some of the Hebrew text, and some of the other views that have been excluded form the bible then decide.

Answer 7

Poor choice of definition for an apostle, but I agree for disciple. In that regard, couldn't all Christians be defined as an apostle, inasmuch as we all are part of God's specific plan? (cf. Ephesians 1:11) But we are not. Even Paul had to continually assert his apostleship. I find it most indicting that Mary was not regarded as anything extra special in the church, and certainly not an apostle.

Answer 8

Yes I definitely agree. I also think her gospel should be published, I would love to read it. Modern society needs to remove the white wash over influential women in history like Mary Magdalene, and give them the credit and status they deserve.

Answer 9

You answered your own question. She was not chosen directly by Jesus. But, your right its a pretty close call. What you believe is not the issue. Jesus said I have chosen these 12, and she was not one at that choosing. Good question though.

Answer 10

she definitely was a follower of Jesus teachings and I'm sure after His Resurrection she spread the very teachings that He shared with them....so yes she could be said to be a disciple....an Apostle I don't know....but a disciple is simply a follower of Christ....