Physician

Physicians in the ancient world practiced medicine through a combination of empirical observation, herbal remedies, and religious ritual. Israelite medicine was influenced by Egyptian practice, and the law code provided for recognizing and managing skin diseases, ritual uncleanness, and bodily discharges. The criticism of King Asa that "he did not seek the Lord, but sought help from physicians" (2 Chronicles 16:12) reflects a tension between seeking divine healing and medical means. Jesus references physicians in his saying "those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do" and in the aphorism "Physician, heal yourself." Paul's companion Luke is identified as "the beloved physician" in Colossians 4:14.