What the scriptures tell us of Mary Magdalene

The Bible introduces Mary of Magdala to us for the first time in Mark 15:40 - There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome.

We of course know that this was not Jesus's first meeting with Mary Magdalene due to Luke 8:1-2: And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils.

The next scripture that mentions her by name occurs at the crucifixion. John 19:25 - Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. Although the scriptures do not say so it is reasonable to deduce that the men fled for their lives but the women would have seemed a lesser threat to the Romans. It can also be surmised they stayed with him out of great love for him.

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