Painters depict Mary Magdalene as prostitute-turned-penitent. The Gnostic Gospel of Philip showcases her as the one Jesus loved more than all the other disciples. The Da Vinci Code fantasizes her as Jesus’ wife and mother of his children.

Biblical scholar Philip H. Towner, PhD, says there’s a sharp divide between what we know about Mary Magdalene from the Gospels and what has been written about her in manuscripts dating from 200 AD to the early 4^th century.

These manuscripts, which belong to the broad category of New Testament Apocryphal writings, reflect various interests and theological ideals. Some of the writings expand the Jesus tradition given to us from the four canonical Gospels. And in some cases, they try to shed light on compelling figures, such as Mary Magdalene.

This has spawned all types of speculation about Mary, much of which falls into the category of “fantastic legend,” says Dr. Towner, executive director of the Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship.

So what do we really know about this devoted follower of Jesus?

For the answer, Dr. Towner turns to the four Gospels of the New Testament, which are the authoritative sources for helping us understand Jesus, his ministry and the people who followed him.

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 8 verse 2, we learn that seven demons were cast from Mary Magdalene. We also learn that she came from Magdala, a place with a seedy reputation.

“Roman soldiers were there, as well as people of mixed races,” explains Dr. Towner. “As far as the Jews were concerned, Magdala was considered an unclean place.” This geographical note may have played a role in Mary’s portrayal as a prostitute, although Luke makes no such suggestions.

It’s more likely that Mary Magdalene was equated with the woman in Luke 7:36-39, whom the Pharisees describe as a “sinner.” But Dr. Towner says the two women, in all likelihood, are not the same.

In examining the other Gospels, Dr. Towner says that Matthew, Mark and John provide different reflections about Mary Magdalene. Nevertheless, all four writers agree on who she was: A faithful follower of Jesus, who accompanied him to Jerusalem and witnessed his death, burial and resurrection.

“Mary Magdalene is the one who provides a continual witness to all these events,” says Dr. Towner. “This alone sets her apart. No one else in the Gospels experienced what she experienced.”

As to why so much legend is spun about her, Dr. Towner believes it’s a desire to know more. “There’s a need for people to answer the unanswered questions provoked by gaps and tantalizing details in the Gospels. There’s a real sense of spiritual hunger behind much of the development of these traditions. I don’t believe it’s a desire to corrupt the Gospels so much as it is a desire to know more.”

The Gospels do not portray Mary as a harlot, wife or secret lover. Instead, they reveal who she truly was: a faithful Galilean woman captivated by Jesus’ love, mercy and compassion. Once in his presence, she could not help but follow him.

And follow him she did--until the very end of his earthly life and beyond.