Demons

Mary Magdalene is an important figure in the life and death of Jesus. She was a loyal follower of Jesus, she was at his crucifixion, and was the first to see him after his resurrection. One of the specifics known about her is found in Luke 8:1-3. Jesus is traveling from town to town proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. With him are the twelve apostles and some women cured of evil spirits and diseases. These women helped support Jesus and the apostles out of their own means.

That passage specifically says Mary Magdalene “from whom seven demons had come out.” It’s not known if Mary’s previous behavior could be associated with seven specific behaviors or if the seven demons could be separately identified as Jesus cast them out. It is clear that Mary had been demon-possessed, not just ill or diseased. 

From stories about demons in the New Testament, certain characteristics of them can be determined. Demons were evil spirits who caused such things as: people to harm themselves and others; physical harm to those they inhabited; controlled people’s thoughts and actions; and, kept people from following Jesus.