After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:1-3
“This is the first mention of the “the twelve” since their having been chosen in 6:12-16… Luke identifies a second group within the larger mass of those who followed Jesus, distinguished by their significant, ongoing role as Jesus’ followers. They are “some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases…who provided for them out of their resources.” …
Their presence in apparently significant numbers in Jesus’ entourage (“many others”) is likely due to the reach of Jesus’ ministry to include (and the effectiveness of the good news among) single women – for example, widows (7:11-17) and prostitutes (7:36-50). The identification of Mary as “Magdalene” and the mention of Susanna, both without any reference to husbands or even to elder sons, supports this reading.
Given the reality that persons who were ill or demonized also experienced different measures of social ostracism, the experience of healing among some of these women may have been accompanied not by a return to their own communities and families, to the extent that these might have existed for them, but by incorporation into this new community being formed around Jesus…
The recounting of the presence of women in a wandering company – and especially the narration of their presence as typical of Jesus’ mission – would have triggered questions about their status and role… The presence of these women in this band of travelers is suspect; at the very least their behavior is shameless and quite likely would have been regarded as illicitly sexual.
After our having read 7:36-50, however, our views are constrained in other directions; that is, we may well be predisposed to see their actions as manifestations of gratitude and generosity rather than having pushed beyond the boundaries of honor and morality…
Luke strikes two chords that will be heard again and again in the Third Gospel – those of service and off appropriate disposition of resources. “To serve” usually has the connotation of “waiting on tables” in Luke-Acts, though this practice comes to serve as a metaphor for leadership; the verb and noun forms of service are also expanded along different lines, to include the notion of “support” or “provision.” In this case, women are said to serve/provide “out of their resources.”
Generally, this again suggests that the women around Jesus were single, not because married women had no resources but because single women would have been in an easier position to dispose of their resources as they saw fit… Luke mentions Susanna, but he does not characterize her in any way that distinguishes her from the “many others” except for the prominence given her by being named.”
Joel B. Green in The Gospel of Luke (NICNT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997) 317-321.
Why such a long post about Susanna, number seven of ten less known NT characters?
Both society at large and Christian church families tend to forget about single women. Yet, Luke highlights Susanna, who is likely a single woman, and celebrates her for her service and support of the ministry of Jesus and the disciples.
If you are a single woman, then this post is intended to send you some sincere Christian love. If not, it is still for you, in order to raise your awareness.
When I travel like I did for much of the past month, I applaud my wife, Jenni, for intentionally reaching out to single women. This tends to come into view as having coffee or enjoying a meal together. Each one has a story and is loved by our Lord Jesus Christ. She does not see them as a project but as her sisters in Christ. They bless her as much as she blesses them. They have much to contribute and must not be overlooked.
Think of the single women in your life. Some might be widows. Others may be divorced or perhaps never married. Regardless of their story or background, ask God to guide you in reaching out and including them in the rhythms of life and in the activities of the community of faith.
And don’t be surprised if they exhibit prominent leadership, like Susanna, in their support and service to our Lord Jesus Christ.