The Four Marys in Early Christian Tradition

This exploration delves into a specific passage that attempts to identify and distinguish between four women named Mary who appear in the Gospels. This analysis offers a glimpse into how early Christian writers sought to clarify relationships and roles within the nascent Christian community.

Identifying the Four Marys

The passage identifies four distinct Marys within the Gospels:

1. Mary, the mother of the Lord.
2. Mary, the wife of Cleophas or Alphaeus, mother of James the bishop and apostle, Simon, Thaddeus, and Joseph.
3. Mary Salome, wife of Zebedee, mother of John the evangelist and James.
4. Mary Magdalene. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This list provides a framework for understanding the different roles and family connections of these women.

Family Relationships and Interpretations

The text goes on to explore the familial relationships between these Marys and other figures in the Gospels:

• James, Judas, and Joseph are identified as sons of the Lord's aunt (Mary, wife of Cleophas).
• James and John (sons of Zebedee) are identified as sons of another aunt of the Lord's (Mary Salome).
• Mary, wife of Alphaeus, is described as the sister of Mary, the mother of the Lord. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

The passage attempts to clarify potentially confusing relationships by suggesting family connections, such as identifying Mary of Cleophas as the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It acknowledges that John refers to her as "of Cleophas," suggesting this might be due to her father, family clan, or some other reason.

The Identity of Mary Salome

The passage also addresses the identity of Mary Salome, suggesting she may be the same as Mary of Cleophas. It suggests that this could be because she had two husbands. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

Origins and Attribution

The passage indicates that this fragment was found in a manuscript of the Bodleian Library, attributed to "Papia" on the margin. It also notes that Westcott identifies it as part of a dictionary written by a "mediæval Papias." The dictionary exists in manuscript form at both Oxford and Cambridge. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

Conclusion

This fragment offers a valuable insight into how early Christian writers grappled with harmonizing different accounts and establishing clear relationships between figures within the Gospels. The effort to distinguish between the four Marys and clarify their family connections reflects a desire to create a coherent narrative and understanding of the early Christian story. The passage also highlights the role of tradition and interpretation in shaping our understanding of biblical figures.