One piece of evidence for the historical accuracy of the Gospels is that they include women in prominent roles. Women had little standing in ancient Israel just as in many patriarchal cultures and religions today. Luke’s first mention is in chapter 8:

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. (Luke 8.1 – 3, ESV, emphasis mine)

Women not only traveled with Jesus, but some were also his principal financial supporters!

Then we come to the crucifixion narrative:

And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things. Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. (Luke 23.49 – 56, ESV, emphasis mine)

Look who is mentioned prominently twice in this narrative: “the women who had followed him from Galilee.” Where were the men? Long gone:

Then all the disciples left him and fled. (Matthew 26.56, ESV)

There’s more to come. Stay tuned.