Martha of Bethany

When was Martha active?

Martha of Bethany is dated fl. c. AD 30–33 in the archive, which places Martha in the Apostolic Age (AD 4–70). The dating is traditional and approximate; the archive marks it as uncertain rather than fixing a year the sources do not give.

Which early sources mention Martha?

Martha of Bethany is named in 2 primary-source passages catalogued here, drawn from Luke and John. Every passage is quoted from a named public-domain translation, earliest first.

Where was Martha from?

The archive associates Martha of Bethany with Bethany, near Jerusalem. The sources record more than one location, so the places are listed in the order the record moves through them.

Who were Martha’s contemporaries?

The archive links Martha of Bethany to 3 other figures, including Mary of Bethany, Lazarus of Bethany and Salome the Myrrh-bearer. Each connection is drawn from a source that places them together, not from inference.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.