Joanna in the Bible: Her Story, Her Faith, and Her Legacy
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Joanna in the Bible might be one of the most underappreciated female figures in early Christianity. While she appears only briefly in the Gospel accounts, her presence offers us a deep well of insight into the heart of discipleship, generosity, and courage under pressure. Her story touches on the power of healing, the radical role of women in Yeshua’s ministry, and the hope found in the resurrection.
Let’s uncover Joanna’s rich legacy and what her life can teach us today as modern believers.
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Who Was Joanna in the Bible?
Joanna’s Appearances in Scripture
Joanna is mentioned only in the Gospel of Luke — and significantly, Luke is the only Gospel writer to name her. A physician and a careful historian, Luke explicitly states his goal: “to set in order a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us” (Luke 1:1–4). Joanna’s inclusion is no accident — it reflects both her importance and Luke’s attention to detail.
Luke 8:1–3 introduces her:
“Yeshua was going throughout every city and village, proclaiming and bringing the Good News of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities — Miriam of Magdala; Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others. These were supporting them out of their own resources.”
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We find her again at a pivotal moment in Luke 24:10:
“Now it was Miriam from Magdala, Joanna, Miriam the mother of Jacob, and others with them who told these things to the emissaries.”
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These verses reveal two truths about Joanna: she was a female disciple of Jesus and she was a direct witness to the miracle of the resurrection.
Her Role Among the Women Disciples
As stated, Joanna was among the early women disciples, or female followers of Jesus. These women weren’t passive observers. They traveled, served, gave, and witnessed. Their loyalty never wavered, even when most of the male disciples scattered.
Joanna, Susanna, and others provided for the needs of Yeshua and the Twelve “out of their own resources.” This means they weren’t just present — they were invested.
Joanna’s role among the women in early Christianity was foundational — she used her position, voice, and resources to help lay the groundwork for the spread of the Good News or Besorah.
Wife of Chuza: What That Meant in Her Time
Joanna was married to Chuza, a high-ranking official who managed the household of Herod Antipas. This put her close to political power — including the infamous Herodias and her daughter Salome, who conspired to have John the Baptist beheaded (Mark 6:17–29).
Herod himself had mixed feelings about John.
“Herod respected John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man… and he would listen to him often”.
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Living in this court environment, Joanna was likely familiar with the spiritual tension surrounding John’s imprisonment and execution.
Historical and Cultural Context of Joanna’s Life
The Reign of Herod Antipas and Roman Influence
Joanna lived during a politically charged time in Second Temple Judaism. Herod Antipas was a client king under Roman occupation of Judea. The intersection of Roman authority and Jewish identity created a turbulent space — particularly for someone like Joanna who straddled both worlds.
Joanna’s High Social Status and Jewish-Roman Identity
As the wife of Herod’s steward, Joanna likely enjoyed status and wealth. Yet she chose to align herself with an itinerant Jewish teacher from Nazareth. Her dual identity — both Roman-elite and Jewish disciple — speaks volumes about her character and conviction.
What It Meant for a Woman to Fund Jesus’ Ministry
In Jewish tradition, generosity (tzedakah) was a spiritual act. For Joanna, giving to support the ministry of the Messiah was not just practical — it was deeply faithful. She used her influence and finances for the glory of God.
Joanna’s Encounter with Jesus
Healing: Physical or Spiritual?
Luke tells us that Joanna had been healed of “evil spirits and infirmities.” This points to the healing miracles of Jesus — both physical and spiritual. Her response to that healing was discipleship.
Her Courage to Leave Comfort for Discipleship
Leaving behind palace life to follow an often-persecuted rabbi was a radical act. Her healing led her not just to faith, but to action.
From Palace to Poverty: A Radical Shift
Joanna went from royal courts to the dusty roads of Galilee. It was a journey of faith, humility, and boldness. She walked alongside the King of Kings, forsaking worldly power for eternal purpose.
Joanna at the Resurrection: A Witness to the Miracle
Luke 24 and the Women at the Tomb
Joanna was among the first witnesses to the resurrection. In a time when women’s testimony wasn’t valued in court, Yeshua trusted women — including Joanna — to proclaim the most important news ever.
Why Luke Mentions Joanna by Name
Luke doesn’t include names carelessly. He names Joanna again in Luke 24:10 because her presence at the tomb matters. She is a reliable witness and one of the first proclaimers of the risen Messiah.
Her Testimony Before the Apostles
Imagine the courage it took to speak of angels, an empty tomb, and resurrection to the apostles. Joanna did exactly that. She gave her testimony boldly, even when others dismissed it as “nonsense” (Luke 24:11).
Her Likely Presence at Pentecost (Shavuot)
Though not named directly, Joanna may have been among the women gathered in the Upper Room in Acts 1:12–14. These faithful women, who had followed Yeshua throughout His ministry and witnessed His resurrection, were waiting for the promise of the Ruach ha-Kodesh (Holy Spirit). Her likely presence reinforces her ongoing role in the unfolding of God’s kingdom.
Was Joanna Also Junia? Pauline Reference in Romans 16
Scholarly Theories and Etymology of the Name
Some scholars have proposed that Joanna and Junia could be the same woman. While this remains debated, the theory highlights how significant women were in the early believing communities.
Joanna’s Potential Role in Early Church Leadership
In Romans 16:7, Paul writes:
“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and fellow prisoners. They are well known among the emissaries — they were in Messiah before me.”
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If Junia is Joanna, then she wasn’t just a disciple — she was a leader.
Why This Matters for Modern Christian Women
Joanna’s (or Junia’s) legacy challenges the idea that leadership and teaching are only for men. Her voice mattered. Her story still matters.
10 Faith Lessons We Can Learn from Joanna
Before she was remembered in Scripture, Joanna made choices in secret places — giving, following, witnessing. Her faith wasn’t loud, but it was lasting. These lessons from her life still speak to us today, inviting us to live with the same bold trust in God.
1. Use what you have — for God’s glory
Joanna used her wealth, status, and influence not for self-promotion but for kingdom advancement. Whether financial, relational, or spiritual, our resources are meant to serve God’s purposes.
2. Bold faith often comes at a cost
Her connection to Herod’s court meant she risked criticism or even danger by following Yeshua. Faith will cost us something — but never more than it’s worth.
3. Healing leads to calling
Joanna’s transformation wasn’t just about personal restoration. She was healed for a purpose: to serve, support, and proclaim.
4. Position doesn’t exempt us from humility
Though privileged, Joanna chose the path of a servant. She didn’t expect front-row seats — she walked dusty roads with fishermen and the formerly demon-possessed.
5. Women play a vital role in spiritual history
From financially supporting Jesus’ ministry to witnessing the resurrection, women like Joanna were key in shaping our faith’s foundation.
6. Courage is often quiet and consistent
Joanna’s bravery wasn’t loud. It was persistent. She kept showing up — to the ministry, the cross, and the empty tomb.
7. You don’t need to be center stage to make a lasting impact
Though not frequently mentioned, her influence echoed into the early church. Faithfulness in small spaces is still faithfulness.
8. Doubt from others doesn’t diminish truth
The apostles dismissed the women’s testimony at first. But truth stands, even when it’s ignored.
9. Your background doesn’t define your future
Coming from a politically charged court didn’t prevent Joanna from walking in spiritual freedom. Our past doesn’t disqualify us.
10. Worship is more than words — it’s what we give
Joanna’s giving was worship. Her support wasn’t duty — it was devotion.
Joanna’s Legacy for Today’s Believers
Lessons for Modern Women of Faith
Joanna’s life is a quiet testimony to the power of obedient, unseen faith. She didn’t lead armies or perform public miracles, but she followed faithfully — and that mattered. In a culture that often measures worth by titles, achievements, or visibility, Joanna shows us that true significance comes from saying “yes” to God in whatever role He places us. Whether in our homes, communities, or ministries, obedience plants seeds that bear eternal fruit.
Joanna’s Example in Stewardship and Generosity
She didn’t just believe — she gave. Joanna’s support of Yeshua’s ministry wasn’t a one-time gift; it was a lifestyle of worship expressed through tangible action. As someone from the upper class, she had access to means and influence, yet she chose to invest both in something far greater than the palace: the mission of the Messiah.
Her generosity teaches us that whatever we’ve been entrusted with — time, resources, connections — can be offered back to God for kingdom impact.
Encouragement for Those Feeling Overlooked
If you’ve ever wondered whether your unseen faithfulness matters, Joanna answers with a resounding yes. Though her name is mentioned only twice in the Gospels, her legacy has endured for centuries.
She stood at the tomb. She likely waited in the Upper Room. She followed, served, and gave — not for recognition, but because she loved her Savior. You may not feel seen by the world, but like Joanna, you are known, loved, and remembered by Yeshua — Jesus Christ. And in the eyes of heaven, that is more than enough.
My Final Thoughts
Joanna’s story is a quiet but powerful testimony of what it means to live with courage, humility, and kingdom vision. Whether you’re in a place of influence or obscurity, your faith matters. Your generosity matters. Your presence matters.
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FAQs About Joanna in the Bible
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Was Joanna Jewish or Roman?
Joanna was Jewish, but her marriage to Chuza, a steward of Herod Antipas, placed her in close contact with Roman political life. This dual exposure likely gave her a unique perspective on both Jewish faith and Roman influence in Judea.
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Did Joanna have children?
The Bible doesn’t tell us whether Joanna had children. Her story focuses on her role as a follower and supporter of Yeshua, leaving much of her personal background unknown.
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What happened to Joanna after the resurrection?
Scripture does not record what became of Joanna after the events in Luke 24. However, her likely presence in Acts 1:12–14 suggests she remained a faithful part of the early believing community.
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Is there any early church tradition about Joanna?
There’s very limited mention of Joanna in early church tradition compared to figures like Mary Magdalene. Some have speculated connections to Junia (Romans 16:7), but this remains unproven.
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Why is Joanna not talked about more in church history?
Many lesser-known figures, especially women, were overlooked in later church traditions and writings. However, Joanna’s inclusion by Luke shows that her role was important in the eyes of the early community — and worth recovering today.
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Could Joanna have written or influenced any early texts?
There’s no historical evidence linking Joanna to written texts, but as a firsthand witness to Yeshua’s ministry and resurrection, it’s possible she shared her testimony with others orally, helping shape the memory of the early church.
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About Our Author
Sue Nelson is a Christian author, Bible teacher, and conference speaker with a heart for helping women grow deeper in their walk with God. She has written several books on Christian marriage, Proverbs 31 living, verse mapping, and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Her Bible studies and devotional tools are used by women’s ministries across the United States.
With years of experience teaching Scripture and leading small groups, Sue has spoken at numerous women’s conferences and retreats nationwide. She actively serves in multiple ministries at her home church—including Hospitality, Welcome PSG Corp, and Leaders of the Pack—and is known for her willingness to serve wherever there’s a need.
A wife, mom, grandmother, and proud dog/cat mom, Sue lives a life centered on Christ. She supports a wide range of Christian causes, including Bible distribution, scholarships for faith-based retreats, homeless outreach, food pantries, and clothing ministries.
You can connect with her through her women’s Bible study community, She Opens Her Bible
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.