Many people assume Jesus only had male disciples, but Scripture tells a different story. Women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others followed Jesus, supported His ministry financially, and were active learners and witnesses—just like the Twelve. Luke 8:1–3 clearly shows that women were an integral part of Jesus’ traveling ministry, and passages throughout the Gospels confirm their deep involvement in His life, teachings, and resurrection.
Jesus broke cultural norms by welcoming women as disciples and leaders, something the early church continued. Recognizing this isn’t just about historical accuracy—it has real implications for how we value and include women in ministry today. If you’ve ever wondered about the true role of women in the life of Jesus, keep reading—this deeper dive into Scripture might just change the way you see the Gospel story.
When you think of Jesus’ disciples, you probably picture twelve men: Peter, James, John, Matthew, and the rest. That’s understandable—they’re the ones listed by name in places like Matthew 10:2–4 and Luke 6:13–16. But here’s the truth: Jesus had female disciples too. Not only were women part of His ministry, but some played crucial roles that often go overlooked.
So let’s dive into the Scriptures and see what they really say. Were there women following Jesus? Supporting His ministry? Learning from Him like the Twelve did? Yes—on all counts.
What Is a Disciple, Really?
Before we get too far, we need to define what a disciple actually is.
A disciple isn’t just one of “The Twelve.” A disciple is:
- Someone who follows a teacher
- Learns from them
- Applies what they’ve learned
- Lives in close relationship with them
So if we’re asking, “Did Jesus have female disciples?” we’re really asking: Were there women who followed Him, learned from Him, and were changed by Him?
The answer is a clear yes.
Luke 8:1–3 – The Clearest Evidence
Let’s start with the passage that most directly answers this question. Luke 8:1–3 says:
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (NIV)
Let’s break that down:
- These women weren’t just random people in the crowd.
- They traveled with Jesus.
- They were healed by Him.
- They financially supported His ministry.
- And there were many others, not just three.
These are disciples in every sense of the word.
Key Female Disciples of Jesus
Let’s highlight some of these women and what we know about them.
1. Mary Magdalene
- Mentioned in all four Gospels.
- Present at the crucifixion (John 19:25).
- Went to Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 28:1).
- Was the first person to see the risen Christ (John 20:16–18).
- Jesus told her, “Go to My brothers and tell them…” (John 20:17), making her the first witness of the resurrection and, by some counts, the first evangelist.
2. Joanna
- Wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager.
- A woman of influence and means.
- Supported Jesus financially.
- Also went to the tomb and witnessed the empty grave (Luke 24:10).
3. Susanna
- Only mentioned by name in Luke 8.
- Though we know little about her, Luke still thought it important to name her, meaning she likely had a notable role.
4. Martha and Mary (of Bethany)
- Close friends of Jesus (John 11).
- Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching (Luke 10:39), something disciples did.
- Jesus taught her directly, even saying, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
5. The Women at the Cross
- Matthew 27:55–56 says, “Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.”
- These women stayed when the male disciples fled.
Women in the Early Church
After the resurrection and ascension, women continued to lead and serve in the early church.
- Phoebe is called a deacon and a benefactor in Romans 16:1–2.
- Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, taught Apollos, a gifted preacher (Acts 18:26).
- Junia is called “outstanding among the apostles” in Romans 16:7.
These women weren’t outliers. They were leaders, learners, and messengers of the Gospel.
Jesus Broke Cultural Norms
In Jesus’ day, Jewish rabbis didn’t typically allow women to learn Torah as disciples. But Jesus consistently included women:
- He talked with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), crossing cultural, gender, and religious boundaries. She became a witness to her entire town.
- He healed women, honored their faith (like the bleeding woman in Mark 5), and praised their acts (like the woman who anointed Him in Luke 7).
Jesus was radically inclusive in a society that often wasn’t.
Why This Matters Today
You might wonder—why does this matter now?
Because recognizing that Jesus had female disciples:
- Affirms women’s value in the Kingdom.
- Reminds us that leadership and service aren’t limited by gender.
- Corrects centuries of misinterpretation or silence about women in Scripture.
When women are sidelined in church or theology, we’re not being biblical—we’re being selective.
Jesus didn’t limit discipleship to men. Neither should we.
What About the Twelve?
Now, yes—the Twelve Apostles were all men. That’s a fact.
But that doesn’t mean only men were disciples. The Twelve had a specific symbolic role tied to the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28), which explains the number and gender.
But the broader group of followers included many women. Jesus valued them, taught them, and sent them out.
Final Thoughts
So, did Jesus have female disciples?
Absolutely. The Scriptures couldn’t be clearer.
From Mary Magdalene to Joanna, from Martha to the Samaritan woman, women:
- Walked with Jesus.
- Learned from Him.
- Supported Him.
- Proclaimed His resurrection.
- Built the early church.
If you’re a woman wondering if there’s a place for you in the mission of Jesus, don’t hesitate. The Scriptures say: yes, there is.
Jesus didn’t just tolerate women in His ministry—He welcomed them, taught them, and trusted them with the most important message in history.
And that still speaks today.
FAQs: Did Jesus Have Female Disciples? The Scriptures Speak
1. Did Jesus have female disciples?
Yes, Jesus had female disciples. Luke 8:1–3 names women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna who followed Him, supported His ministry, and learned from Him—just like the Twelve.
2. Who was Mary Magdalene, and what was her role?
Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ closest followers. She traveled with Him, witnessed His crucifixion, and was the first person to see the risen Christ (John 20:16–18), making her a key disciple and the first resurrection witness.
3. What does Luke 8:1–3 tell us about Jesus’ female followers?
Luke 8:1–3 states that women traveled with Jesus and supported His ministry financially. It names three—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna—and adds that “many others” did the same.
4. Was Mary, the sister of Martha, a disciple of Jesus?
Yes. In Luke 10:39, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet to learn from Him—a posture of discipleship. Jesus affirmed her choice, saying she chose “what is better” and it wouldn’t be taken from her.
5. Why weren’t women among the Twelve Apostles?
The Twelve were symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel, which is likely why they were all male. However, this didn’t limit discipleship to men—Jesus still had many female disciples actively involved in His ministry.
6. Did female disciples witness the resurrection?
Yes. Women were the first to find the empty tomb and see the risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene, in particular, was the first to speak with Him after the resurrection and was told to share the news (John 20:17).
7. Did Jesus teach women directly?
Absolutely. Jesus taught women often, both in public and private. The Samaritan woman in John 4 and Mary of Bethany in Luke 10 are prime examples of Jesus treating women as worthy disciples.
8. Did women support Jesus financially?
Yes. Luke 8:3 states that the women traveling with Jesus supported Him and His disciples “out of their own means,” indicating financial and material support for His ministry.
9. Were women leaders in the early church?
Yes. Women like Phoebe (a deacon in Romans 16:1), Priscilla (a teacher in Acts 18:26), and Junia (called “outstanding among the apostles” in Romans 16:7) show that women held leadership and teaching roles in the early church.
10. Why is it important to know Jesus had female disciples?
Knowing Jesus had female disciples challenges narrow views of gender roles in ministry. It affirms the value of women in God’s work—past, present, and future—and encourages churches today to reflect Jesus’ inclusive approach.
