Who are the women mentioned with Jesus in this passage?

The passage names three women and mentions many others. Mary called Magdalene had seven demons cast out of her by Jesus. Joanna is described as the wife of Chuza, who managed the household or affairs of Herod, a ruler in that region. Susanna is also listed, though we are told nothing more about her background here. Along with these three, there were many other women who had been healed of evil spirits or physical illnesses. All of them followed Jesus and helped support him and his disciples from what they owned.

What does it mean that Jesus preached the glad tidings of the kingdom of God?

The “glad tidings” are the good news that God’s kingdom was drawing near in a new way through Jesus. He went from city to city and village to village announcing forgiveness of sins, acceptance with God, and full salvation in him. This kingdom is not about food, drink, or outward show, but about God ruling in people’s hearts in holiness, peace, and joy. Jesus also showed what this kingdom is like by healing people and freeing them from evil spirits, giving a taste of the renewal and reconciliation God was bringing.

Why were the twelve apostles with Jesus as he traveled and preached?

The twelve apostles traveled with Jesus so they could learn from him closely. They watched his miracles, listened to his teaching, and saw how he dealt with people in different places. At this point they were not the main preachers when he was present, but they were being trained so that later they could be sent out to preach and serve on their own. Their time with Jesus prepared them to carry the message of God’s kingdom beyond Galilee and eventually to other regions and peoples after his death and resurrection.

What does it mean that the women ministered to Jesus of their substance?

“Ministered of their substance” means these women used their own money and resources to provide for Jesus and his disciples as they traveled. They supplied food, shelter, and other daily needs out of what they owned, not out of someone else’s wealth. This shows their gratitude, because many of them had been healed by Jesus. It also shows that Jesus chose to live in a humble way, depending on the kindness of those who believed in him, instead of drawing support from strangers or using worldly power and riches.

Who was Mary Magdalene and what is meant by seven devils going out of her?

Mary Magdalene is introduced here as a woman out of whom seven demons had been cast by Jesus. The number seven stresses how deeply she had been under evil power. This is not just a way of speaking about bad habits, but a real spiritual oppression that Jesus drove out. Faithful readers have seen her past in more than one way: some think she had been very morally corrupt, others that she suffered from severe mental or emotional torment. In any case, she became a devoted follower who stayed near Jesus even at his cross and tomb.

Why is Joanna, the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, important in this passage?

Joanna shows that the message of Jesus reached into high places as well as among common people. Her husband Chuza managed the household or possessions of Herod, a regional ruler, so Joanna likely had social standing and resources. Her choice to follow Jesus and support him with her own goods meant facing possible scorn from the court and leaving a comfortable life for a wandering teacher. Her example highlights how people of wealth and position used their means to serve Christ, and how following him could pull someone away from an easier, quieter life.

What does this passage show about Jesus’ attitude toward women?

This passage shows that Jesus welcomed women as real followers and co-workers. He allowed them to travel with him, listened to them, healed them, and received support from them. Some had a shameful or painful past, like Mary Magdalene, yet they were not pushed to the edge but brought into his company. Others were respected matrons with good reputations and wealth, like Joanna and Susanna. Together they form a picture of women from very different backgrounds all finding a place close to Jesus and using what they had to serve him.

What was happening in Jesus’ ministry when he went through every city and village?

This journey comes after Jesus had already healed many people, raised the dead, and answered questions from John’s followers. He was now moving throughout Galilee, not staying in one town, but going on a kind of circuit. In each city and village he preached that God’s kingdom was near and showed that message through miracles and deliverance from evil spirits. The twelve apostles were with him, learning, and a group of women who had been healed followed and provided for him. It was a busy, traveling season of public ministry.

What does this passage teach about how believers might use their resources?

The women in this passage had received mercy from Jesus, and they responded by using their possessions to support his work. They did not give what belonged to someone else, but what was truly theirs, and they did so willingly. This shows a pattern where those who are taught and helped spiritually share what they have with those who serve them. It also reminds believers not to be ashamed to receive help when God places them in need. Both generous giving and humble receiving can honor God when done with gratitude and faith.

Luke.8.1

Luke 8:1

KJV

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.