Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the role of doctors and healers was recognized, though their practices and understanding of medicine were vastly different from modern times. The Bible references physicians and healing in various contexts, highlighting both the physical and spiritual aspects of health.Old Testament Context The Old Testament makes several references to physicians and healing practices. In Genesis 50:2, Joseph commands his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father Israel, indicating the presence of medical practitioners in ancient Egypt. This suggests that the Israelites were familiar with the concept of doctors and medical treatment. The Law of Moses also contains guidelines for health and hygiene, which can be seen as a form of preventive medicine. Leviticus 13-14 provides detailed instructions for diagnosing and managing skin diseases, including leprosy, which were to be overseen by the priests. While not doctors in the modern sense, priests acted as health inspectors, ensuring the community's well-being. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the role of doctors is acknowledged, though often in the context of Jesus' miraculous healings. One of the most notable references is found in the Gospel of Luke, written by Luke, who is identified as a physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke's background as a doctor may have influenced his detailed accounts of Jesus' healing miracles. Jesus Himself acknowledges the role of physicians in Mark 2:17 : "On hearing this, Jesus told them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" This statement recognizes the necessity of doctors for physical ailments while emphasizing His mission to heal spiritual sickness. Healing and Faith The Bible often intertwines physical healing with spiritual faith. In James 5:14-15 , believers are instructed: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." This passage highlights the importance of prayer and faith in the healing process, suggesting that spiritual intervention is as crucial as medical treatment. Caution Against Overreliance on Physicians While the Bible acknowledges the role of doctors, it also warns against overreliance on human wisdom and medical practices at the expense of faith in God. In 2 Chronicles 16:12 , King Asa's reliance on physicians rather than seeking the Lord is criticized: "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians." Conclusion The Bible presents a balanced view of doctors and medicine, recognizing their role in treating physical ailments while emphasizing the importance of faith and spiritual well-being. The integration of medical treatment and prayer reflects a holistic approach to health, where both physical and spiritual needs are addressed. Topical Bible Verses Luke 5:17And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Topicalbible.org Library Useless Doctors The Glory of the Doctors and Confessors. (Of Accusations against Doctors. ) Whether an Aureole is Due to Doctors? Christian Doctors Reproach the Old Learned Rabbis, for their Vain ... Whether Three Aureoles are Fittingly Assigned, those of virgins ... The Opposite Opinion is Approved by None of the Ancient Doctors of ... Consciousness of Messiahship in the Mind of Jesus. --Jesus among ... Whether the Essential Attributes are Appropriated to the Persons ... Concerning the Many Gods whom the Pagan Doctors Defend as Being ... Thesaurus Doctors (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Doctors (7 Occurrences). Mark 5:26 and had undergone many different treatments under a number of doctors... /d/doctors.htm - 8k Doctor (5 Occurrences) Lawyer (5 Occurrences) Courts (59 Occurrences) Judicial (2 Occurrences) Undergone (20 Occurrences) Jesus (10891 Occurrences) Growing (31 Occurrences) Insultest (1 Occurrence) Treatments (3 Occurrences) Resources Who are the doctors of the church? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians go to doctors? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view prescription drugs? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Doctors (7 Occurrences)Mark 5:26 Luke 2:46 Luke 8:43 Luke 11:45 Luke 11:46 Luke 11:52 Luke 14:3 Subtopics Related Terms Unchangeableness (1 Occurrence) |
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