The Twelve Apostles
King James Version (John 20:17): "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to Mary Magdalene near the empty tomb. When she recognized Him, Jesus said: "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father..." Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus Christ's most devoted followers and is honored as the first witness of His resurrection. The Gospels record that she remained faithful during His crucifixion, witnessed His burial, and was the first to discover the empty tomb. According to the Gospel of John, the risen Christ appeared to her and entrusted her with the message to tell the disciples that He had risen from the dead, making her the first messenger of the Resurrection. Beyond the New Testament, the details of Mary's later life are uncertain. Various early Christ...