The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith, and what’s often overlooked is that women were the first to witness it and share the news. Despite living in a culture that didn’t value their testimony, women like Mary Magdalene were chosen by God to be the first evangelists of the gospel. Their role wasn’t an accident or a side note—it was intentional and revolutionary. The Bible clearly records that they saw the empty tomb, met the risen Christ, and were told to go and tell.
This powerful truth reshapes how we view women’s role in ministry, both then and now. It reminds us that God often works through the unexpected to accomplish His purpose. Whether you’re new to this idea or you’ve wrestled with it for years, understanding the role of women in the resurrection story brings clarity, encouragement, and purpose. Keep reading for a deeper dive into this game-changing moment in history.
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it, there’s no victory over death, no proof of Jesus as the Son of God, and no hope of eternal life. But what often gets overlooked is who first witnessed it—women. Not only were they the first to see the empty tomb, they were also the first to proclaim the risen Christ.
That’s not a small detail. It’s a massive statement about God’s heart, the nature of the gospel, and the role of women in spreading it. Let’s unpack this with clarity and care.
1. The Resurrection Account: Who Was There?
All four Gospels agree on one thing: women were the first at the tomb.
Here’s how the Gospel writers describe it:
- Matthew 28:1 – “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.”
- Mark 16:1 – “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices…”
- Luke 24:10 – “It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.”
- John 20:1 – “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb…”
The consistent pattern? Mary Magdalene is mentioned in every account.
And she wasn’t alone. Other women like Joanna, Salome, and Mary the mother of James were also there. They went to the tomb, expecting to find a dead body. Instead, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
2. First Witnesses: A Radical Choice
In the 1st century, a woman’s testimony wasn’t legally admissible in court. Culturally and religiously, women were often sidelined. So why would all four Gospels highlight women as the first witnesses?
Because that’s what really happened.
If the Gospel writers were making the story up, they wouldn’t have chosen women to be the first witnesses. It would’ve hurt their credibility. But they didn’t edit the truth to make it more palatable—they recorded it faithfully. And that speaks volumes.
God chose women to be the first evangelists of the resurrection.
That means your voice matters—especially if you’ve ever felt overlooked or underestimated.
3. Mary Magdalene: The First to See the Risen Jesus
Of all the women at the tomb, Mary Magdalene holds a special place.
John 20:14–16 tells us:
“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus… Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”
She’s the first to see the risen Christ. Not Peter. Not John. Not any of the Twelve. Mary.
And Jesus didn’t just appear to her—He gave her a mission.
John 20:17 – “Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
She becomes the first preacher of the resurrection. That’s not an exaggeration—that’s the biblical record.
4. The Women’s Message: First Evangelists of the Gospel
Let’s define something real quick. The word evangelist comes from the Greek euangelion, which means good news.
An evangelist is someone who tells the good news about Jesus. And what better news is there than: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6)
These women did four key things:
- They saw the empty tomb
- They heard the angel’s message
- They encountered the risen Christ
- They told others what they saw and heard
That’s the essence of evangelism. That’s exactly what Peter and Paul would later do across the Roman Empire. But the women did it first.
5. How the Disciples Responded (and What That Tells Us)
You’d think the apostles would jump for joy at the news. But that’s not what happened.
Luke 24:11 says:
“But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.”
Harsh, but honest. The disciples dismissed the testimony of the women. This wasn’t just doubt—it was disbelief rooted in cultural bias.
Yet God didn’t rebuke the women or tell them to stop talking. He affirmed them through Jesus’ appearance and made their story central to the resurrection narrative.
6. What This Means for You Today
This isn’t just a cool Bible fact—it’s deeply relevant. Here’s why:
1. God Values Women in Ministry
The resurrection narrative elevates women. It shows that God entrusts women with His most powerful message. That includes you.
2. The Gospel Is for Everyone
The gospel didn’t start in the temple or with priests. It started in a garden, with ordinary women. The kingdom of God flips human systems upside down.
3. Your Story Matters
If you’ve encountered Jesus, you’ve got a story worth sharing. Don’t let cultural expectations or religious traditions silence your voice.
Final Thoughts: The Empty Tomb and the Full Message
The resurrection changed everything. And the first people to experience that change were women. They didn’t have titles or pulpits, but they had the truth—and they shared it.
So whether you’re teaching, mentoring, leading, or simply telling someone about Jesus—know this: you’re walking in the footsteps of the first evangelists.
Don’t wait for permission to share the gospel. Jesus already gave it to you.
Key Takeaways:
- Women were the first to witness and proclaim the resurrection.
- Mary Magdalene was the first person Jesus appeared to after rising.
- Their role as witnesses shows that God uses women as trusted messengers.
- The resurrection story affirms the voice, value, and calling of women in the church.
🔎 FAQs: Women and the Resurrection: The First Evangelists of the Gospel
1. Who were the first people to witness the resurrection of Jesus?
The first witnesses of the resurrection were women, specifically Mary Magdalene, along with Mary the mother of James, Joanna, Salome, and others, depending on the Gospel account (Matthew 28:1, Luke 24:10, John 20:1).
2. Why is it important that women were the first to see the empty tomb?
It’s significant because, in that culture, women weren’t considered reliable witnesses. By choosing them as the first to see and share the news, God was affirming their value and voice in the gospel story.
3. What does Mary Magdalene’s role teach us about women in ministry?
Mary Magdalene was the first person Jesus appeared to after rising from the dead and the first to be commissioned to share the news (John 20:17). Her role shows that God entrusts women with vital spiritual authority and mission.
4. What exactly did the women do after finding the empty tomb?
They ran to tell the disciples what they saw and heard (Luke 24:9). In doing so, they acted as the first evangelists—proclaiming the resurrection before anyone else.
5. Did the disciples believe the women right away?
No, according to Luke 24:11, the disciples thought their words were “nonsense” and didn’t believe them. This highlights cultural bias and also reinforces that the women’s testimony wasn’t fabricated—it was real.
6. Can women still preach or share the gospel today?
Absolutely. The resurrection story itself shows that women were the first gospel messengers. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) applies to all believers, not just men.
7. Is there a theological reason God chose women as the first witnesses?
Yes. God often uses the unlikely or overlooked to reveal His power and purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27). Choosing women to witness the resurrection was a bold declaration of equality and purpose in the kingdom of God.
8. How many women were present at the tomb?
The Gospels list different numbers and names, but at least three to five women were there: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, and others (Mark 16:1, Luke 24:10).
9. What’s the difference between a witness and an evangelist in this context?
A witness sees something. An evangelist tells others about it. The women at the tomb were both—they witnessed the resurrection and spread the good news, fulfilling the role of evangelists.
10. Why does this story still matter today?
It matters because it shows that God’s message is for everyone, and everyone has a role in sharing it—regardless of gender. The resurrection empowered women then, and it still empowers us now.
