Mary Magdalene is one of the most misunderstood figures in the Bible. Despite centuries of rumor, the Gospels never call her a prostitute or suggest she was Jesus’ wife. What they do say is far more striking: she was one of Jesus’ most devoted followers, present at the crucifixion, and the first person to see him after the resurrection.

Mentioned by name in all four Gospels, Mary of Magdala is described as a woman whom Jesus healed, and who supported his ministry. In John’s Gospel, she stands weeping at the empty tomb—and is the first to hear the risen Jesus speak her name.

Though often overlooked or mischaracterized, she was the earliest witness to Christianity’s central event. In some early Christian traditions, she was even known as “the apostle to the apostles.”