Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 8:2

"and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary that was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out," — Luke 8:2 (ASV)

Infirmities. Sickness.

Mary called Magdalene. So called from Magdala, the place of her residence. It was situated on the Sea of Galilee, south of Capernaum. Jesus retired to this place after feeding the four thousand (see Barnes on Matthew 15:39).

Out of whom went. By the power of Jesus.

Seven devils. The word “seven” is often used for an indefinite number and may merely signify many devils.

The expression is used to signify that she was grievously tormented and, doubtless, rendered insane by the power of evil spirits (see Barnes on Matthew 4:24).

It has been commonly supposed that Mary Magdalene was a woman of abandoned character, but there is not the least evidence of this. All that we know of her is that she was formerly grievously afflicted by the presence of those evil spirits, that she was perfectly cured by Jesus, and that afterward she became one of his most faithful and humble followers.

She was at his crucifixion (John 19:25) and burial (Mark 15:47). She was also among those who had prepared the materials to embalm him (Mark 16:1) and who first went to the sepulchre after the resurrection. What is particularly interesting in her history is that she was the first to whom the risen Redeemer appeared (Mark 16:9). His conversation with her is not exceeded in interest and pathos by any passage of history, sacred or profane (John 20:11–18).