Journal: Bible and Spade (Second Run)
Volume: BSPADE 04:3 (Summer 1991)
Article: Archaeology News And Notes
Author: Anonymous

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BSP 4:3 (Summer 1991) p. 82

Archaeology News And Notes

Remains Of Mary Magdalene’s Home Town Found

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of columns that probably formed part of the tower from which the name of the New Testament town of Magadan, also spelled Magdalene, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, was derived. Magadan or Magdalene is the New Testament spelling of migdal, the Hebrew word for tower. It was an important site in the history of Judaism and Christianity.

In the second century AD, there was a revolt against the Roman occupiers. Many Jews took refuge in Magadan with the result that a great battle was fought there. The fighting raged through the town, onto the shores of the lake and even into the lake itself.

There are several references to Magadan/Magdalene in the New Testament. Matthew records the fact that Magadan was visited at least once by Jesus. After He fed the 4,000 somewhere on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He entered a boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan (Mt 15:39; Mk 8:10). There, the Pharisees and Sadducees asked Him for a sign (Mt 16:1–4; Mk 8:11–13).

Perhaps that visit was also the occasion of the casting out of seven demons from Mary of Magdalene (Mk 16:9; Lk 8:2), who became a devout follower of our Lord after He healed her (Lk 8:1–3). She was present at the Crucifixion (Mt 27:55–56; Mk 15:40–41; Jn 19:25), burial (Mt 27:61; Mk 15:47) and Resurrection (Mt 28:1–11; Mk 16:1–10; Lk 24:1–11; Jn 20:1–18) of Jesus. Mary Magdalene has taken a special place in history, for she was the first to speak to the resurrected Christ (Jn 20:10–18).

(The Jerusalem Post International Edition, 3/23/91.)

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