The Gospel of Luke mentions that there were also a few women following Jesus who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out… (Luke 8,2) This is, at least, the official version of the institutional church. Throughout the centuries, up to now, it has been considered to be the ‘truth’.

One should know that the group of the Essenes, who Jesus was a member of, used certain words as encryptions so that the Romans could not understand their messages and gospels.

The word ‘demon’ must not be understood literally

For example, the term ‘the blind’ was used for people who did not follow ‘the path’. The word ‘lepers’ meant all the people that were not born into, or were excluded from higher society. ‘The poor’ applied to all members of society who were not underprivileged, but held higher ranks, but had to give up all their earthly possessions.

Therefore, the term ‘demons’ is not to be understood literally. At the heyday of Qumran the name Mary (Miriam) was not just a name, but a high title.

Women with this name were in ecclesiastical offices within spiritual societies. They were, for instance, educated in the art of healing, or leading liturgical ceremonies for women.

Judas Iscariot, the seventh demon priest

All Marys were bound to celibacy and were subordinate to the authority of the Supreme Scribe. At the time of Mary Magdalene this was Judas Iscariot who was called the seventh demon priest. Before Mary Magdalene married, she was released from celibacy by the demon priest, which led to the saying that seven demons came out of her. Afterwards she was allowed to have physical contact with her husband, but only according to strict rules. However, this is going to be the topic for another time.

Compare Barbara Thiering ‘Jesus the Man’, chapter 17