Event description
Please join us for ADM's 2026 Public Lecture - Surprised by Jesus: Rediscovering the First Witness of the Resurrection with Dr Jennifer Powell McNutt.
There is no resurrection account without the presence of Mary Magdalene, but what does her witness mean?
During the earliest era of Christianity, Mary Magdalene was recognised by Bishop Irenaeus of Lyon as “first to witness and to worship the risen Lord”, but, importantly, not to touch him.
Dr McNutt’s lecture will trace the interpretive confusion that has obscured our understanding of Mary Magdalene’s surprising encounter with Jesus at the garden tomb in an effort to reclaim the biblical and theological import of their exchange for our understanding today.
This lecture will suggest a fruitful pairing of transfiguration theology and hermeneutics with the resurrection witness to offer a constructive lens for viewing their encounter. To rediscover Mary Magdalene through the historical record of the Gospels is a chance to receive her witness to the One who healed her, taught her, received her presence and resources, appeared to her, and sent her to proclaim the saving message that comes only through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This lecture will deepen your understanding of the resurrection accounts as we rediscover one of Scripture's most significant witnesses. We look forward to having you join us.
About Our Speaker
Rev. Dr Jennifer Powell McNutt, PhD, FrHistS, is an award-winning author and professor who holds the Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical and Theological Studies and is Professor of Theology and History of Christianity at Wheaton College, Litfin Divinity School. She earned her PhD in Reformation Studies from the University of St. Andrews (Reformation Studies Institute), an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Religious Studies (Biblical Languages) from Westmont College. She is director of the M.A. Programs in Theology and in History of Christianity.
Dr McNutt is a recipient of the Leland Ryken Award for Teaching Excellence in the Humanities at Wheaton College, an elected Fellow in the Royal Historical Society, a Senior Fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians, a Scholar-in-Residence at the Newberry Library, and past-President of the Calvin Studies Society. Dr McNutt teaches at Wheaton College, specialising in Reformation history and theology.
She is also the author of several books and journal articles, including her latest book, ‘The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today’, published in 2024.
Dr Powell Mcnutt will also deliver a Masterclass at Mary Andrews College and be the guest speaker at an intimate dinner. To find out more about these events, register for updates below.
More details on these events, including how to book, will be coming soon - you can register to hear when details are released below.