Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany and the Sinful Woman of Luke 7: The Same Person?

Abstract

This article argues that Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany and the sinful woman in Luke 7 should be identified as one and the same, as long held by Christian tradition but recently challenged. Comparison of the four Gospel narratives of Christ's anointing reveals numerous details supporting this identification. Sustained literary motifs also build a consistent characterization. An intriguing story emerges which, far from discrediting Mary from influence or ministry, honours her as a woman called by Christ to be an apostle even to the apostles and an eyewitness to his resurrection and transformative grace, the essence of his message.

Key Words: Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, "sinful woman," women, sexism, women's ordination