The 8 Most Important Women of the Bible

Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene was the most important woman disciple in the movement of Jesus and continues to be one of the most mysterious and controversial figures in religious history. She has been portrayed throughout the centuries in a number of ways, being considered as loose, Christ's wife, wealthy, a chief disciple, adulterer and a feminist icon among other descriptions. Many popular depictions of Mary Magdalene don't do her story justice or speak her truth as a true disciple of Christ. Though she has been reinterpreted over and over again, she remains a potent and mysterious figure. When Mary and the other women, along with the twelve joined Jesus, they were taking a serious risk. Jesus was spurred into action after the arrest of John the Baptist. Much of John the Baptist's ministry took place on the east bank of the Jordan in Herod's territory of Parea. When John was imprisoned, Jesus took up his ministry in Herod's territory of Galilee which was viewed by Herod, not only as a challenge but also a threat. Despite the risk, Mary Magdalene was committed to Jesus' ministry.