Church Fathers Commentary Luke 8:1-3

"And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God, and with him the twelve, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary that was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuzas Herod`s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered unto them of their substance." — Luke 8:1-3 (ASV)

Theophylact of Ohrid: He who descended from heaven for our example and imitation gives us a lesson not to be negligent in teaching. Therefore, it is said: And it came to pass afterward that he went, etc.

St. Gregory of Nazianzus: For He passes from place to place so that He may not only win many followers, but also consecrate many places. He sleeps and labors so that He may sanctify sleep and labor. He weeps so that He may give value to tears. He preaches heavenly things so that He may exalt His hearers.

Titus of Bostra: For He who descends from heaven to earth brings news to those who dwell on earth of a heavenly kingdom. But who ought to preach the kingdom of heaven? Many prophets came, yet they did not preach the kingdom of heaven, for how could they claim to speak of things they did not perceive?

Isidore of Pelusium: Now, some think this kingdom of God is higher and better than the heavenly kingdom. Others, however, believe it is one and the same in reality, just called by different names: at one time the kingdom of God, from Him who reigns, and at another the kingdom of heaven, from the angels and saints—His subjects—who are said to be of heaven.

The Venerable Bede: But like the eagle enticing its young to fly, our Lord, step by step, raises up His disciples to heavenly things. He first teaches in the synagogues and performs miracles. He next chooses twelve whom He names Apostles. He afterward takes them alone with Him as He preached throughout the cities and villages, as it follows: And the twelve were with him.

Theophylact of Ohrid: They were not teaching or preaching, but were there to be instructed by Him. But lest it seem that women were prevented from following Christ, it adds: And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils.

The Venerable Bede: Mary Magdalene is the same person whose repentance we have just read about, though her name was not mentioned. When the Evangelist relates her journeying with our Lord, he rightly distinguishes her by her known name. But when describing her as a sinner who was penitent, he speaks of her generally as "a woman," so that the mark of her former guilt would not tarnish a name of such great renown. That seven devils are reported to have gone out of her was to show that she was full of all vices.

St. Gregory the Great: For what is understood by the seven devils but all vices? Since all time is encompassed by seven days, the number seven rightly represents universality. Therefore, Mary had seven devils, for she was full of every kind of vice. It continues: And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered to him of their substance.

St. Jerome: It was a Jewish custom, and not considered blameworthy according to the ancient traditions of that nation, for women to provide food and clothing for their teachers from their own resources. St. Paul states that he had abandoned this custom, as it might cause offense to the Gentiles.

But these women ministered to the Lord from their substance, so that He might reap their material things, from whom they had reaped spiritual things. This was not because the Lord needed food from His creatures, but so that He might set an example for teachers, that they should be content with food and clothing from their disciples.

The Venerable Bede: The name Mary is interpreted as "bitter sea," because of the loud wailing of her repentance; Magdalene means "a tower," or "belonging to a tower," from the tower of which it is said, You have become my hope, my strong tower from the face of my enemy. The name Joanna is interpreted as "the Lord her grace," or "the merciful Lord," for from Him comes everything that we live upon. But if Mary, cleansed from the corruption of her sins, points to the Church of the Gentiles, why does Joanna not represent the same Church, which was formerly subject to the worship of idols?

For every evil spirit, while it acts for the devil’s kingdom, is, as it were, Herod’s steward. The name Susanna is interpreted as "a lily," or "its grace," because of the fragrance and whiteness of the heavenly life, and the golden heat of inward love.