Luke 24:10

KJV

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} It was {G2258} Mary {G3137} Magdalene {G3094}, and {G2532} Joanna {G2489}, and {G2532} Mary {G3137} the mother of James {G2385}, and {G2532} other {G3062} women that were with {G4862} them {G846}, which {G3739} told {G3004} these things {G5023} unto {G4314} the apostles {G652}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The women who told the emissaries these things were Miryam of Magdala, Yochanah, Miryam the mother of Ya‘akov, and the others in their circle.

Berean Standard Bible

It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.

American Standard Version

Now they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them told these things unto the apostles.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:10 meticulously records the names of the faithful women—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, along with other unnamed companions—who were the first to encounter the empty tomb and receive the angelic proclamation of Jesus' resurrection. This verse highlights their pivotal role as the initial bearers of this world-altering news, courageously conveying the message of Christ's triumph over death directly to the apostles, thereby initiating the spread of the Gospel's central truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Luke's climactic resurrection narrative, serving as a crucial bridge between the discovery of the empty tomb and the apostles' initial response. Immediately preceding [Luke 24:10](/luke/24-10 "Luke 24:10 - Women Announce the Resurrection") are the events of the resurrection morning: the women, having prepared spices and ointments, arrive at the tomb only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty ([Luke 24:1-3](/luke/24-1-3 "Luke 24:1-3 - The Empty Tomb")). While perplexed, they are confronted by two men in dazzling apparel—angels—who remind them of Jesus' prophetic words concerning His suffering, death, and resurrection, declaring unequivocally, "[He is not here, but is risen!](/luke/24-5 "Luke 24:5 - Angelic Proclamation of Resurrection")" ([Luke 24:4-7](/luke/24-4-7 "Luke 24:4-7 - Angels Announce Jesus' Resurrection")). The women then remember Jesus' words and return from the tomb to report all these things to the eleven apostles and all the others ([Luke 24:8-9](/luke/24-8-9 "Luke 24:8-9 - Women Remember and Report")). [Luke 24:10](/luke/24-10 "Luke 24:10 - Women Announce the Resurrection") specifically names the key individuals among these women, emphasizing their identity and collective witness before the narrative shifts to the apostles' disbelief in [Luke 24:11](/luke/24-11 "Luke 24:11 - Apostles' Disbelief").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world and particularly within first-century Jewish society, the testimony of women was often considered unreliable and was not typically admissible in legal courts. This cultural norm makes Luke's deliberate naming of these women as the *first* witnesses to the resurrection profoundly significant. By highlighting Mary Magdalene, Joanna (who is also mentioned as supporting Jesus' ministry in [Luke 8:1-3](/luke/8-1-3 "Luke 8:1-3 - Women Ministering to Jesus")), and Mary the mother of James, Luke challenges prevailing societal conventions. God, in His sovereignty, chose those who were culturally marginalized to be the primary bearers of the most important news in history. This choice underscores a recurring theme in Luke's Gospel: God's favor for the humble, the outcast, and the unexpected, demonstrating that divine truth transcends human societal structures and prejudices. The women's immediate action to "tell these things" also reflects a deep devotion and courage, as they would have known their report might be met with skepticism or even ridicule.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 24:10](/luke/24-10 "Luke 24:10 - Women Announce the Resurrection") contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the **Credibility of the Resurrection Witness**. By naming specific individuals, Luke grounds the resurrection in historical fact, even as he subverts cultural expectations about who constitutes a credible witness. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Divine Commission of Unexpected Messengers**. God consistently chooses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His greatest purposes, and these women become the first evangelists of the resurrected Christ, entrusted with the initial proclamation of the Gospel's core truth. This theme resonates with other instances in Luke where the marginalized are elevated, such as the shepherds being the first to hear of Jesus' birth ([Luke 2:8-20](/luke/2-8-20 "Luke 2:8-20 - Shepherds Visit Jesus")). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Immediate Dissemination of the Gospel Message**. The women's swift action to report the news to the apostles marks the crucial first step in the global spread of the resurrection message, laying the groundwork for the apostolic preaching that would follow, as seen throughout the book of Acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **told (Greek, _légō_):** From G3004, meaning "to 'lay' forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse...)); by implication, to mean." This word emphasizes a deliberate, systematic declaration rather than a casual utterance. The women weren't just chatting; they were formally reporting, laying out the facts of what they had seen and heard, fulfilling their role as witnesses.
* **other (Greek, _loipoí_):** From G3062, meaning "remaining ones." This plural masculine form, used here in a general sense for "other women," indicates that beyond the specifically named individuals, there was a larger group of women present at the tomb. This detail reinforces the collective nature of the witness, lending further weight to the testimony, as it was not just one or two isolated individuals but a group.
* **apostles (Greek, _apóstolos_):** From G652, meaning "a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ('apostle') (with miraculous powers)." This term signifies those specially chosen and sent by Jesus to be His authoritative representatives. The women's report was directed to these foundational figures of the early church, underscoring the critical nature of the message and its intended recipients for broader dissemination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them":** This clause meticulously identifies the key individuals among the group of women who had gone to the tomb. The naming of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James provides specific, historical anchors for the narrative, emphasizing that these were real people involved in a real event. The inclusion of "and other [women that were] with them" indicates that the witness was not solitary but corroborated by a larger group, adding to the credibility of their account. This detail also highlights the collective devotion of these women who had followed Jesus and remained faithful even to His tomb.
* **"which told these things unto the apostles":** This clause describes the immediate and crucial action taken by these women. Having received the angelic message and remembered Jesus' words, they promptly conveyed the astonishing news of the resurrection. The phrase "these things" refers to the empty tomb, the angelic appearance, and the declaration of Jesus' resurrection. Their act of "telling" was a direct, purposeful communication, serving as the initial proclamation of the Gospel's central truth to the chosen leaders of the nascent Christian community. This act establishes them as the first evangelists of the resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in [Luke 24:10](/luke/24-10 "Luke 24:10 - Women Announce the Resurrection") masterfully employs several literary techniques. The **Specific Naming** of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James lends **Historical Verisimilitude** to the narrative, grounding the extraordinary event of the resurrection in concrete, identifiable individuals. This detail counters any potential accusations of mythical fabrication by emphasizing eyewitness accounts. Furthermore, there is a profound **Irony** or **Divine Subversion of Norms** at play. In a patriarchal society where women's testimony held little legal weight, God deliberately chooses women to be the first and most direct witnesses to the resurrection, entrusting them with the foundational message of the Christian faith. This choice highlights God's unconventional methods and His valuing of faithfulness over societal status. The immediate action of the women to "tell these things" also demonstrates **Narrative Progression**, swiftly moving the story from discovery to proclamation, setting the stage for the apostles' reaction and the subsequent spread of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Luke 24:10](/luke/24-10 "Luke 24:10 - Women Announce the Resurrection") profoundly illustrates God's sovereign choice of messengers and the foundational importance of the resurrection. Theologically, it underscores that God often uses the unexpected and the marginalized to accomplish His greatest purposes, subverting human expectations and societal norms. These women, who faithfully followed Jesus to the cross and the tomb, are honored with the first revelation of His triumph over death. Their witness is not merely a historical footnote but a divinely ordained act of proclamation, initiating the spread of the Good News. The verse also highlights the essential nature of the resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith; it is the event that validates Jesus' claims and empowers the Christian message. The women's immediate and courageous act of sharing this truth serves as a timeless model for all believers called to bear witness to the living Christ.

* [Matthew 28:1-8](/matthew/28-1-8 "Matthew 28:1-8 - The Resurrection Account")
* [Mark 16:1-8](/mark/16-1-8 "Mark 16:1-8 - The Resurrection Account")
* [John 20:1-2](/john/20-1-2 "John 20:1-2 - Mary Magdalene at the Tomb")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1_corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - The Gospel and Resurrection Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Luke 24:10](/luke/24-10 "Luke 24:10 - Women Announce the Resurrection") offers a powerful and enduring message for believers today. It reminds us that God's kingdom operates on principles often contrary to human wisdom and societal expectations. The Lord chose women, whose testimony was culturally undervalued, to be the first heralds of the resurrection. This truth should profoundly encourage every follower of Christ, regardless of their background, status, or perceived limitations. If God can entrust the most significant news in history to those considered "unlikely," then He can certainly use each of us to share His truth. Our call is not to wait for perfect circumstances or societal affirmation, but to respond with the same immediate obedience and courageous proclamation as these women. Their faithfulness in conveying the astonishing news, even when met with disbelief ([Luke 24:11](/luke/24-11 "Luke 24:11 - Apostles' Disbelief")), challenges us to be bold and unwavering in our witness to the resurrected Christ, recognizing that the power of the message lies not in the messenger's status, but in the divine truth itself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's choice of women as the first witnesses challenge my own assumptions about who God uses to spread His message?**
* **What "impossible" or "unbelievable" truth has God entrusted to me to share, and what holds me back from proclaiming it boldly?**
* **In what ways can I emulate the immediate and faithful response of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James in my daily life?**
* **How does the centrality of the resurrection in this verse inform my understanding of the core message of the Gospel that I am called to share?**

### FAQ
**Why were women chosen as the first witnesses to the resurrection, especially given their societal standing?**

Answer: God's choice of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection, as highlighted in [Luke 24:10](/luke/24-10 "Luke 24:10 - Women Announce the Resurrection") and corroborated by other Gospels ([Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - Women at the Tomb"), [Mark 16:1](/mark/16-1 "Mark 16:1 - Women at the Tomb"), [John 20:1](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Mary Magdalene at the Tomb")), is a profound theological statement. In first-century Jewish and Roman cultures, women's testimony was often not considered legally credible. By choosing them, God demonstrates His sovereignty and His tendency to subvert human expectations and societal norms. This choice elevates the humble and marginalized, underscoring that His truth and power are not bound by human conventions or prejudices. It also highlights the faithfulness and devotion of these women, who remained with Jesus even at the cross and were the first to minister to Him after His death. Their witness serves as a powerful testament to God's impartial love and His ability to use anyone He chooses for His divine purposes.

**What was the initial reaction of the apostles to the women's report?**

Answer: The initial reaction of the apostles to the women's report was one of disbelief and skepticism. [Luke 24:11](/luke/24-11 "Luke 24:11 - Apostles' Disbelief"), the very next verse, explicitly states, "And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not." This reaction is also reflected in other Gospel accounts, such as [Mark 16:11](/mark/16-11 "Mark 16:11 - Disbelief of the Disciples") and [John 20:9](/john/20-9 "John 20:9 - Disciples Do Not Understand"). Despite the women's earnest and immediate proclamation, the apostles struggled to comprehend such an extraordinary event, viewing it as fanciful or unbelievable. This initial disbelief, however, serves to further validate the resurrection accounts, as it shows that the disciples were not predisposed to believe and only came to faith through undeniable personal encounters with the risen Christ, such as those described in [Luke 24:36-43](/luke/24-36-43 "Luke 24:36-43 - Jesus Appears to Disciples").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 24:10](/luke/24-10 "Luke 24:10 - Women Announce the Resurrection") stands as a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Christ's redemptive work, serving as the very first proclamation of His victory over death. The women, having witnessed the empty tomb and heard the angelic declaration, become the initial heralds of the New Covenant's central truth: Jesus is not merely a crucified prophet, but the risen Lord, the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). Their immediate act of telling "these things unto the apostles" initiates the global dissemination of the Gospel, fulfilling the prophetic trajectory of God's plan for salvation. This act foreshadows the Great Commission, where all believers are called to be witnesses to Christ "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The resurrection, announced by these faithful women, is the cornerstone upon which all Christian hope is built, validating Jesus' identity as the Son of God ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God")) and securing eternal life for all who believe ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Their witness, though initially met with skepticism, ultimately paved the way for the apostles' own encounters with the risen Christ, leading to the powerful preaching that transformed the world, all flowing from the glorious truth first declared by these devoted women.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 27:56

Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

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;

Mark 15:41

(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

Mark 16:9

¶ Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Mark 16:11

And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

John 20:11

¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, [and looked] into the sepulchre,

John 20:18

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] he had spoken these things unto her.