A List of Jesus' Female Disciples
Did you think they were all dudes?
I will be giving you a birds eye view of the female disciples listed in scripture. I deeply hope this creates a sense of comfortability and familiarity with *almost* all the women involved in the ministry of Jesus.
Named Female Disciples and Supporters of Jesus
These women are explicitly named in Scripture as active participants in Jesus’ ministry—through financial support, presence, discipleship, or proclamation.
1. Mary, Mother of Jesus
Scriptures: Luke 2:16–19, John 2:1–5, John 19:25–27Mary was present from Jesus’ birth to his final breath. At Cana, she urged others to follow his lead, prompting his first miracle. At the cross, Jesus honored her by entrusting her care to the beloved disciple. Her unwavering presence marks her as a foundational follower.
2. Mary Magdalene
Scriptures: Luke 8:1–3, Mark 15:40–41, John 20:11–18A woman healed by Jesus—delivered from seven demons—Mary Magdalene became one of his most faithful followers. She supported his ministry financially, stayed through the crucifixion, and was the first to witness and proclaim the resurrection, earning her the title “apostle to the apostles.”
3. Mary of Clopas (Mother of James and Joseph/Joses)
Scriptures: Matthew 27:55–56, Mark 15:40–41, Luke 24:10A devoted follower who was present at the crucifixion and possibly at the tomb. Some scholars identify her with the “other Mary” who witnessed the resurrection.
4. Salome (Mother of James and John, Wife of Zebedee)
Scriptures: Matthew 20:20–21, Mark 15:40, Mark 16:1The mother of two of Jesus’ closest disciples, Salome followed Jesus, was present at the cross, and came to anoint his body after his death. She may have once requested prominence for her sons, but her loyalty to Jesus remained steadfast.
5. Joanna (Wife of Chuza, Manager in Herod’s Household)
Scriptures: Luke 8:1–3, Luke 24:10A woman of significant social standing who traveled with Jesus and supported him financially. Joanna was also one of the women who found the empty tomb and reported the resurrection to the apostles.
6. Susanna
Scriptures: Luke 8:1–3Though little is known about her, Susanna is listed among the women who traveled with Jesus and supported him out of their resources. Her inclusion speaks to her faithful and active role in his ministry.
7. Mary of Bethany (Sister of Martha and Lazarus)
Scriptures: Luke 10:38–42, John 11:1–44, John 12:1–3Mary chose the posture of a disciple, sitting at Jesus’ feet to learn from him. Her deep theological insight (“Lord, if you had been here…”) and her act of anointing Jesus with perfume show her as a deeply devoted follower and spiritual equal.
Possible Female Followers of Jesus
These women are closely associated with Jesus and may have been followers or disciples, though their exact status is not confirmed in the same way as others.
8. Peter’s Wife
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:5Paul mentions that Peter and other apostles had believing wives who accompanied them. While her name and specific actions are unknown, this implies she may have traveled with and supported Jesus’ ministry alongside her husband.
9. Martha of Bethany (Sister of Mary and Lazarus)
Scriptures: Luke 10:38–42, John 11:1–44, John 12:1–3Martha is remembered for her hospitality, but also for her powerful faith declaration: “I believe that you are the Messiah.” Though not described with the same disciple posture as her sister, Martha’s faith and presence mark her as a significant figure in Jesus’ circle.
10. Unnamed Woman Who Anointed Jesus
Scriptures: Luke 7:36–50, Matthew 26:6–13, Mark 14:3–9Different Gospel accounts describe women who anointed Jesus, possibly representing different events or the same woman remembered in multiple ways. These women’s acts of love and reverence are honored by Jesus—“wherever the gospel is preached, what she has done will also be told.”
Unnamed but Present Female Followers
Many women followed Jesus throughout his ministry, though the Gospels do not record all their names. Their presence affirms a broader movement of female discipleship.
11. Unnamed Financial Supporters
Scripture: Luke 8:1–3In addition to those named, the text notes “many others” who supported Jesus and the disciples from their own means, suggesting a wider community of women actively sustaining the mission.
12. Women at the Crucifixion
Scriptures: Matthew 27:55–56, Mark 15:40–41, Luke 23:49A group of women stood by Jesus at his crucifixion, some named, others not. They had followed him from Galilee and ministered to him, demonstrating long-term commitment.
13. Women at the Resurrection
Scriptures: Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–10, John 20:1–18Multiple women came to the tomb and became the first witnesses to the resurrection. While Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and “the other Mary” are named, others are described more generally. These women were entrusted with the most important news in Christian history.
And Likely Many More
The Gospels strongly imply that many additional women followed Jesus but remain unnamed.
Luke 8:3 – “Many others” supported Jesus.
Matthew 27:55–56 – “Many women” followed and ministered to him.
Mark 15:40–41 – “Many other women” traveled with him to Jerusalem.
Luke 23:49 – Women from Galilee witnessed the crucifixion from a distance.
Luke 24:9–10 – “The other women” joined Mary and Joanna in announcing the resurrection.
What a list am I right?
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