The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith—and what’s often overlooked is that the first witnesses to this miracle were women. In a time when women’s testimonies were considered invalid, the Gospels boldly record Mary Magdalene and other women discovering the empty tomb and proclaiming the risen Christ. This detail isn’t just surprising—it’s historically significant. It points to the authenticity of the Gospel accounts and reveals a God who defies cultural norms to elevate the overlooked.
More than just a historical fact, this truth carries deep personal and theological weight. It shows us that God values and uses people the world often ignores. It challenges the Church to recognize the full role of women in spreading the Gospel, and it reminds all believers—regardless of status or background—that they’re called to share the message of Christ. Keep reading for a closer look at the women at the tomb, what their witness meant then, and why it still matters today.
When you think of the most important event in Christian history—the resurrection of Jesus—you probably imagine the dramatic stone rolled away, the empty tomb, and the glory of new life. But here’s something that often gets overlooked: the very first witnesses to this miracle were women. And that fact matters—a lot.
Let’s break down why this is such a big deal, especially in the context of first-century culture, and what it means for your faith today.
1. What Happened at the Tomb?
All four Gospels agree on one crucial detail: women were the first to discover that Jesus had risen.
The Gospel Accounts:
- Matthew 28:1-10 – Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” go to the tomb and meet an angel who tells them Jesus has risen.
- Mark 16:1-8 – Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bring spices to anoint Jesus but find the tomb empty.
- Luke 24:1-12 – A group of women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, find the stone rolled away.
- John 20:1-18 – Mary Magdalene arrives first, sees the empty tomb, and later sees the risen Jesus with her own eyes.
Mary Magdalene appears in all four accounts, making her the most prominent resurrection witness in the New Testament.
2. Why Is It Surprising That Women Were First?
In the first-century Jewish world, women weren’t considered reliable legal witnesses. In fact, their testimony wasn’t even admissible in court. That’s not just cultural bias—it’s documented in Jewish texts like the Talmud.
So if the Gospel writers were trying to invent a believable story about Jesus rising from the dead, putting women front and center would’ve made zero strategic sense.
This is key:
If the resurrection were a lie, women would not have been written as the first witnesses.
This lends weight to the historical credibility of the resurrection accounts. The Gospel writers didn’t edit the story to suit social norms—they simply told the truth, even if it was inconvenient or countercultural.
3. Jesus Elevated Women—And This Is Another Example
Jesus consistently treated women with dignity, honor, and respect. He included them in His ministry, spoke directly to them (even in public, which was taboo), and trusted them with significant truths.
- John 4 – He reveals His identity as the Messiah first to a Samaritan woman at a well.
- Luke 8:1-3 – Women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna are listed as financial supporters of His ministry.
- Luke 10:38-42 – He praises Mary of Bethany for choosing to sit and learn from Him, a place typically reserved for male disciples.
And at the resurrection, He chooses women as the first heralds of the greatest news in history.
4. The Role of Women in Spreading the Gospel
Let’s look at how the women responded.
“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!’” – John 20:18
She didn’t sit on the information. She preached. And in many ways, Mary Magdalene became the first Christian evangelist, announcing the risen Christ before anyone else.
Their faithfulness to Jesus—even when the male disciples were hiding—speaks volumes.
Their actions:
- They went to the tomb despite fear.
- They stayed at the cross when others fled.
- They were the first to proclaim the resurrection.
5. What This Means for You
Now, here’s why all of this matters today.
A. The Resurrection Is Rooted in Eyewitness Testimony
Christianity doesn’t ask you to take a blind leap. The resurrection is supported by historical claims based on eyewitnesses. And some of the strongest, earliest witnesses were women, which actually strengthens the authenticity of the accounts.
B. God Uses the Unlikely
In a world where women were considered second-class, God made them first-class witnesses. That tells you something about how God works. He often chooses the overlooked to make the biggest impact.
“God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” – 1 Corinthians 1:27
So if you’ve ever felt unqualified or ignored, remember: God sees you. And He uses people exactly like you.
C. The Gospel Is for Everyone
By appearing first to women, Jesus made it clear: His message isn’t limited by gender, background, or status. The Good News is for all people. And sharing it is a task given to everyone—not just to those with titles or platforms.
6. A Challenge to the Church
Unfortunately, the Church has sometimes been slow to catch on. For centuries, women were barred from leadership roles or treated as secondary members of the faith community.
But the resurrection story challenges that head-on.
- If Jesus trusted women to carry the news of His resurrection, why wouldn’t we trust women to share the Gospel today?
- If Mary Magdalene preached the first Easter sermon, why wouldn’t women preach now?
The early Church got it. In Acts and the Epistles, you see women like Priscilla, Phoebe, Junia, and others playing key roles. It’s time to return to that vision.
7. The Resurrection Isn’t Just History—It’s Personal
Finally, don’t let this just be a fact in your head. Let it stir your heart.
Jesus rose from the dead. And the first people to know were the ones least expected by society.
But that’s the heart of the Gospel: Jesus turns expectations upside down.
So if you’re wondering:
- Am I good enough?
- Do I matter?
- Can God really use me?
Look at Mary Magdalene. Look at the women at the tomb. And remember—you don’t have to be perfect or powerful. You just need to be willing.
Key Takeaways
- Women were the first eyewitnesses of the resurrection (Matt. 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20).
- Their testimony strengthens the historical reliability of the resurrection.
- Jesus consistently elevated the role of women throughout His ministry.
- The first evangelist of the risen Christ was a woman—Mary Magdalene.
- The resurrection story empowers both men and women to boldly share the Gospel.
Final Thought
The fact that women were the first witnesses of the resurrection isn’t just a footnote—it’s a foundational truth. It highlights the trustworthiness of the Gospel, the heart of God, and the wide-open invitation of grace.
If God trusted these women with the resurrection message, He trusts you to carry it forward, too.
Now go share it.
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10 Frequently Asked Questions: The First Witnesses of the Resurrection Were Women—Why It Matters
1. Who were the first witnesses of the resurrection?
The first witnesses of the resurrection were women, specifically Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna, and other women according to the Gospel accounts (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20).
2. Why does it matter that women were the first to witness the resurrection?
It matters because in the first-century Jewish world, women’s testimonies were not considered credible. Yet God chose them to be the first to see and proclaim the risen Jesus, showing that God values and uses the overlooked.
3. Does this support the credibility of the resurrection story?
Yes. If the resurrection story were fabricated, using women as primary witnesses would have hurt its credibility in that culture. The fact that all four Gospels include this detail supports the historical authenticity of the event.
4. Was Mary Magdalene really the first person to see the risen Jesus?
Yes. According to John 20:14–18, Mary Magdalene was the first person Jesus appeared to after rising from the dead, making her the first eyewitness of the resurrection.
5. What role did women play in the early church?
Women played vital roles in the early church—supporting Jesus’ ministry, leading house churches, and spreading the Gospel. Figures like Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia were leaders, teachers, and even referred to as apostles.
6. What does this story teach about how God sees women?
It shows that God sees women as equally valuable, capable, and trustworthy. By choosing them as the first resurrection witnesses, God affirmed their place in His mission.
7. How should this affect the way the Church treats women today?
This truth challenges the Church to recognize, honor, and empower women to lead and serve. If Jesus trusted women with the resurrection message, the Church should trust women in ministry today.
8. Why were the male disciples not the first to see the resurrection?
The Gospels show that most of the male disciples were hiding in fear after Jesus’ death. The women, however, went to the tomb early to care for Jesus’ body, showing their courage and devotion.
9. Is this just a historical fact or a spiritual lesson too?
It’s both. Historically, it supports the truth of the resurrection. Spiritually, it teaches that God uses the humble and faithful, regardless of status, gender, or societal expectation.
10. How can this story encourage me in my faith today?
It reminds you that you don’t have to be powerful or perfect to be used by God. Like the women at the tomb, your willingness to show up and share what you’ve seen of Jesus can change lives.
