Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. –Luke 24:9-11
It was a cultural thing, we are told. Women were not considered reliable witnesses. The Jewish writer Josephus said, “But let not the testimony of women be admitted, on account of the levity and boldness of their sex.” I’m not sure what precisely he meant, but I know what the effect was meant to be: Keep women in their place.
Thank God for the women. One of many reasons I love the Gospel According to Luke is the place it gives to women. Consider…
Luke 8:1-2 The women supported Jesus. Now, it came to pass afterward that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities–Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.
Ask any traveling preacher. Someone has to support them financially. Thank God for these women who believed in Jesus and supported Him.