Luke 8:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 8:2
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Chapter Context
Luke 8 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, truth, grace. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 8:2
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Analysis
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Luke uniquely records women's prominent role in supporting Jesus' ministry. The Greek participle tetherapeumenai (τεθεραπευμέναι, perfect passive, "having been healed") emphasizes completed action with continuing results: these women remained in transformed states. The dual mention of pneumatōn ponērōn (πνευμάτων πονηρῶν, "evil spirits") and astheneiōn (ἀσθενειῶν, "infirmities/weaknesses") distinguishes demonic oppression from physical ailments, though overlap existed.
Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils—Mary from Magdala (fishing town on Galilee's western shore) is identified by her most dramatic transformation. The phrase aph' hēs daimonia hepta exelēlythei (ἀφ' ἧς δαιμόνια ἑπτὰ ἐξεληλύθει, "from whom seven demons had gone out") uses the perfect tense indicating permanent deliverance. The number seven suggests complete or severe possession, not literal counting. This Mary is never identified with the sinful woman of Luke 7:36-50 (common but erroneous tradition). Her deliverance produced devoted discipleship—she appears at the crucifixion (Luke 23:49) and resurrection (Luke 24:10), making her the first resurrection witness.
Historical Context
In first-century Judaism, women rarely traveled with rabbis, making this detail remarkable. Respectable rabbis avoided public interaction with women to prevent scandal. Jesus' inclusion of women disciples violated social conventions, demonstrating the kingdom's radical nature. Women couldn't serve as legal witnesses in Jewish courts, yet Jesus entrusted them with gospel proclamation. Demon possession was widely recognized in the ancient world, though symptoms overlapped with epilepsy, mental illness, and other conditions. Seven demons indicates exceptionally severe affliction. Mary Magdalene's prominence in all four Gospels, especially as resurrection witness, establishes her historical importance. Her financial support (implied by v. 3) suggests she possessed independent means, unusual for women but not unknown in Greco-Roman society.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' radical inclusion of women disciples, especially those with scandalous pasts like demon possession, demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel to overthrow social hierarchies?
- What does Mary Magdalene's transformation from severe demon possession to devoted disciple and first resurrection witness teach about God's ability to use the most broken people for His greatest purposes?
- In what ways does Luke's careful identification of these women by name combat the historical erasure of women's contributions to early Christianity?
Word Studies
- Spirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma) G4151 - Spirit, wind, breath
Cross-References
- Evil: Mark 16:9
- Parallel theme: John 19:25