There is "abundant evidence of familiarity with Johannine ideas" in the Gnostic writings of Nag Hammadi. Enough to show that there was obviously much contact between the Johannine Community and Gnostic groups very early on. Therefore, it cannot be mere coincidence that Mary Magdalene is cited in the Gnostic writings as the "disciple whom Jesus loved" in much the same way as the anonymous male disciple is cited as such in the Fourth Gospel.

The passage from the Fourth Gospel which has Mary Magdalene and the Beloved Disciple together at the foot of the Cross reads as follows:

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said... (John 19:25ff)**

The Gospel of Philip makes reference to the same group of women that are standing by the Cross in the Fourth Gospel. However, the Gospel of Philip clearly cites Mary Magdalene as the "companion" of Jesus.

When did Mary Magdalene return to the tomb? There is a broken trail in the travels of Mary Magdalene from one place to another Mary Magdalene is abruptly portrayed as remaining behind weeping at the tomb. However, there is no account of her returning to the tomb in this scene after telling Peter and the "other disciple" that the body of Jesus was missing.the account of Peter and the Beloved Disciple running to the tomb together is "sandwiched between" Mary Magdalene's initial discovery of the Empty Tomb and her first encounter with the Risen Jesus. This "contrivance" let the Gospel retain the tradition that Mary Magdalene was the first to discover the Empty Tomb while still giving the Beloved Disciple prominence as the first person to reach the Empty Tomb and believe that Jesus has risen

Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) (John 20:8-9)

The contrast between "he saw and believed" in v. 8 and "they still did not understand" in v. 9 is peculiar. Verse 9 is clearly making reference to verse 8. However, the reference is contradictory. This appears to be an attempt to blend two different traditions: one in which the disciples did not immediately understand, or believe in, the Resurrection (Matthew 28:17; Mark 16:11,13; Luke 24:11), and another in which Mary Magdalene, changed here to the "other disciple," instantly perceives the truth (Matthew 28:1,8; Mark 16:9; Luke 24:10).
 

Themes You Will Find At SpiritBride.. Spiritual Mystique, Gardens and Sanctuaries, Weddings and Honeymoons, Wellness and Solutions, The Philo Sophia, angels, Christian, Goddess, Jesus, groom, married, bride, divine, holy spirit, Mary Magdalene, female, women, wedding, Sophia, Mother Mary, woman's, Bible, hagia, study, love, spirit, rosaries, recipes, spice, tea, herbs, wine making supplies, roses, oils, scents, salts, learning, holiday, planner, glassware, kitchenware, software, weddings, faith, soul, happiness, tao, quan, kaun, yin, bodhisattva, fairies, princess, fey, faery, faeries, plant spirits, country, living, herbal, lifestyle, herb gardening, bird houses, crafts, silver, semi precious stones, jewelry, art, music, messages, blog, posts, ministry, hope, zen, "