The New Testament introduces us to a remarkable array of individuals shaped by God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Among them, the name “Mary” appears with striking frequency. This common Hebrew name, Miriam, held deep significance in Jewish culture, and those who bore it in the Gospel accounts and early church often played pivotal roles in the unfolding drama of salvation. While some “Marys” are extensively documented, others receive only a brief mention, yet each has her own part in faith and service. This article takes in turn the distinct women named Mary in the New Testament.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Undoubtedly the most prominent Mary in the New Testament is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her story begins with the miraculous announcement from the angel Gabriel, foretelling the virgin birth of the Son of God.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Luke 1:28
KJV

Mary’s response to this astounding news was one of humble submission and faith: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). Her Magnificat, a song of praise recorded in Luke 1:46-55, reveals a deep understanding of God’s character and His covenant faithfulness. She diligently pondered the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and early life, “all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Mary was present at significant moments in Jesus’ life, from His birth in Bethlehem to His first miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). Her greatest agony, and perhaps her greatest act of faith, was standing at the foot of the cross, witnessing her Son’s crucifixion. There, Jesus entrusted her care to John the beloved disciple (John 19:26-27). After the ascension of Christ, Mary is mentioned among the disciples in the upper room, gathered in prayer, awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14).

Mary Magdalene

Second only to the mother of Jesus in prominence is Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Christ from whom Jesus had cast out “seven devils” (Luke 8:2). This deliverance marked the beginning of her steadfast loyalty to Jesus. She, along with other women, ministered unto Him of their substance, supporting His earthly ministry (Luke 8:3). Mary Magdalene’s devotion is particularly evident during the crucifixion. While many disciples fled, she remained faithfully at the cross, witnessing His suffering and death (Mark 15:40, John 19:25). Her loyalty extended beyond the grave, as she was among the first to visit Jesus’ tomb on the resurrection morning. It was to Mary Magdalene that the risen Christ first appeared, commissioning her to go and tell His disciples the glorious news:

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

John 20:17
KJV

Mary Magdalene, therefore, holds the unique distinction of being the first evangelist of the resurrection, proclaiming the most vital truth of the Christian faith. She went from affliction to being a chief witness of Christ’s triumph over death.

Mary, Sister of Martha and Lazarus

From the village of Bethany, we encounter another significant Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She is portrayed as a woman who prioritized spiritual nourishment above worldly cares. In Martha’s house, when Jesus visited, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His word, while Martha was “cumbered about much serving.” Jesus affirmed Mary’s choice, declaring, “Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). Her deep faith and love for Jesus are further revealed during the death of her brother, Lazarus. Though grief-stricken, Mary stayed in the house until Martha called her; then she rose quickly, came to Jesus, and fell down at His feet, expressing her belief in His power:

Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

John 11:32
KJV

And when Jesus called Lazarus forth, Mary witnessed His divine authority over death. Perhaps her most memorable act was anointing Jesus’ feet with costly spikenard oil, wiping them with her hair, just days before His crucifixion (John 12:3). While some, like Judas Iscariot, criticized this act as wasteful, Jesus defended Mary, recognizing her prophetic act of devotion:

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

John 12:7
KJV

Mary of Bethany is found at the feet of Jesus in Luke 10, in John 11, and in John 12.

Mary, Mother of James the Less and Joses

The Gospels mention another Mary who was present at the crucifixion and resurrection: Mary, the mother of James the less and of Joses (or Joseph). She is identified in Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40 as being among the women who watched the crucifixion from afar. Like Mary Magdalene, she remained steadfast in her devotion, even in the face of such sorrow. She was also present at the burial of Jesus, observing where He was laid (Matthew 27:61, Mark 15:47). On the resurrection morning, she was among the women who came to the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus’ body, only to find the stone rolled away and an angel proclaiming His resurrection (Mark 16:1-6, Luke 24:10). John 19:25 names “Mary the wife of Cleophas” among the women at the cross. She may be the same woman, but the text does not say so. Whether or not she is, her presence at the cross and tomb highlights her enduring faith and courage in following Christ even in His suffering and death.

Mary, Mother of John Mark

Moving into the book of Acts, we encounter Mary, the mother of John Mark. Her significance lies not in direct interaction with Jesus during His earthly ministry, but in her vital role within the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Her house served as a gathering place for believers, a refuge where they could meet for prayer and fellowship. This is vividly portrayed when Peter was miraculously released from prison:

And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Acts 12:12
KJV

The fact that “many were gathered together praying” in her house indicates that it was a recognized and important center for the nascent church. Mary’s home provided a safe haven for disciples, illustrating the critical role that hospitality and community played in the growth and survival of early Christianity. Her son, John Mark, would later become a significant figure in his own right, accompanying Paul and Barnabas on missionary journeys and ultimately writing the Gospel of Mark. Mary’s contribution, though perhaps less dramatic than others, was foundational: providing a supportive environment for the spread of the Gospel and the nurturing of believers.

Mary in Romans 16:6

Finally, in Paul’s epistle to the Romans, we find a brief but powerful mention of another Mary. As Paul concludes his letter with greetings to various saints in Rome, he writes:

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

Romans 16:6
KJV

We know nothing else about this Mary. The phrase “bestowed much labour on us” (the Greek text behind other editions reads “for you”; the KJV reads “on us”) signifies her dedicated and arduous service to the apostles and the cause of Christ. This “labour” likely involved practical support, evangelism, or ministry within the Roman church. Her inclusion in Paul’s personal greetings shows her value and recognition within the early Christian network. She represents countless unsung heroes of the faith, whose diligent service, though not detailed in scripture, was vital for the advancement of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The various Marys in the New Testament, though distinct individuals with unique stories, collectively present a picture of devotion, service, and faith. From Mary, the mother of Jesus, who humbly accepted her divine calling, to Mary Magdalene, the first messenger of the resurrection; from Mary of Bethany, who chose the “good part” of spiritual communion, to the Marys who faithfully stood at the cross and supported the early church through their homes and labour—each woman named Mary played a crucial role. Their lives remind us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways, and that faithfulness, in whatever capacity, is highly valued in His kingdom. Each did what her hand found to do: “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).