In the Bible, the concept of seeking medical help and the role of physicians is addressed in various contexts, reflecting the understanding and practices of ancient times. While the Bible emphasizes faith and reliance on God for healing, it also acknowledges the role of medical practitioners and remedies.

Biblical References to Physicians and Healing

The Bible contains several references to physicians and the practice of medicine. In the Old Testament, the role of physicians is mentioned in Genesis 50:2, where Joseph orders the physicians to embalm his father, Israel. This indicates that physicians were recognized for their skills in certain procedures.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself acknowledges the role of doctors. In Luke 5:31, Jesus says, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." This statement implies an understanding of the necessity of medical intervention for those who are ill.

Faith and Medicine

The Bible encourages believers to have faith in God as the ultimate healer. In Exodus 15:26, God declares, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." This passage highlights the importance of obedience and faith in God's healing power.

However, the Bible does not dismiss the use of medicine or the consultation of physicians. In 2 Kings 20:7, the prophet Isaiah instructs King Hezekiah to apply a poultice of figs to his boil, and he recovers. This suggests that natural remedies and medical advice were considered valuable.

The Role of Luke

The New Testament provides an example of a physician who played a significant role in the early Christian community. Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, is referred to as "the beloved physician" in Colossians 4:14. His background as a doctor may have influenced his detailed accounts of Jesus' healings and the early Church's activities.

Balancing Faith and Medical Care

While the Bible emphasizes reliance on God, it also supports the use of available means for healing. James 5:14-15 advises, "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." This passage suggests a combination of spiritual and practical approaches to healing.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a balanced view of seeking medical help, recognizing the role of physicians while emphasizing faith in God's healing power. Believers are encouraged to trust in God and seek His guidance, while also making use of the medical resources and knowledge available to them.Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Topicalbible.org

3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
Topicalbible.org

Unexpected Orders
... nothing, until one morning she declared, 'Little dear, I think it's more than a
bottle of bronchitis medicine you need; I'm going to ask the doctor to call ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/xvi unexpected orders.htm

Wesley his Own Doctor
... I designed to insert in the "Christian Library," I broke through the doctor's order
not ... again a few days and quite disappointed me in my design of going out on ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley his own doctor.htm

Further Answers to Prayer
... me that it was so, for without any obvious connection with what had been going on,
all at ... With my eye fixed on the pan and my back to the doctor, I told him as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter iv further answers to.htm

A Battle with Smallpox
... Inside of an hour the fever was going down and in twelve hours it was entirely
gone. The same evening the fever was rebuked, the doctor came. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xx a battle with.htm

Infidelity
... God, and was in the same condition in which you are in." The doctor took down ... My
friends, the question of eternity, and where we are going to spend it, forces ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/infidelity.htm

Naaman the Syrian
... That is man's idea again; he is going to pay for a great doctor, and he took about
five hundred thousand dollars to pay for the doctor's bill. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iii naaman the syrian.htm

Herod and John the Baptist
... If I were not sick I would not have a thought about my soul, and I am not going
to insult God now.". The doctor spent the day with him, read to him out of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/v herod and john the.htm

Events During the War
... Katherine's death that Mr. Hammond used to cross our orchard going to and ... The doctor
found upon examination that the boy was suffering from strychnine poisoning ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter iv events during the.htm

The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... Within a month the boy was going back to his high school, apparently quite
well. ... He had to pass through the hands of the official doctor. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/vii the story of one.htm

I am not "One of the Elect. "
... If you are sick, and a. doctor prescribes for you, don't take the medicine, throw
it out the door, it don't matter, for if God has decreed you are going to die ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/i am not one of.htm

Why is church attendance / going to church important? | GotQuestions.org

When is the Rapture going to occur in relation to the Tribulation? | GotQuestions.org

Why should I consider going to a Bible college? | GotQuestions.org

Going: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus